The 40 days of Lent give Christians time to prepare for Easter--to look closely at the ministry of Jesus and at their own lives, incorporate a daily observance in their lives, and ultimately grow closer to Christ, with a fuller understanding of the meaning of the Crucifixion and the Resurrection.Through more than 45 daily readings and prayers, Derek Maul invites readers to join him on a devotional pilgrimage through Lent, using the Gospel of John's rich narrative in chapters 12 through 20 but sampling from other scripture passages as well.*Reaching Toward Easter** can be used by individuals or groups who wish to make the Lenten pilgrimage together. A group study guide is included in the book. Maul challenges readers to journey with him from Ash Wednesday through Resurrection Sunday. Along the way they will discover the focused opportunity Lent provides to sit at table with Jesus like the disciples; to walk the dusty path from Bethany to the very gates of Jerusalem, observing the Master; and to listen closely to Christ's words of grace, hope, and challenge.UNIQUE SELLING POINTAn inviting, easy-to-read Lenten book that draws readers into the Gospel narratives of Jesus' journey to the cross and prepares them to live like "Easter people.".