“‘Give me you rag,’ he said, tracing his own line on her cheek, ‘and I’ll give you mine.'”

Planning for Holy Week
Holy Week has arrived, and many church leaders out there may be looking for messages to share with your Bible study, small group, youth group, or other group. Likewise, preachers are checking down a list of services and planning sermons, illustrations, and messages. Or perhaps you are simply trying to faithfully observe Holy Week and looking for extra inspiration.

“Ragman” is a powerful short story that you can use for personal use, in a small group, in a class, or in worship. If you have never heard this story before, you are in for a real treat. It is tremendous: poignant, heartfelt, and gorgeously written. Ragman is an extraordinary way to see Jesus and the transformation he offers.

“Ragman” was written by Walter Wangerin, and the book is available here through his website. If you choose to use this story, do credit Walter Wangerin as the author, and do your best to buy the book or borrow it from a library.

Videos of “Ragman” Readings
You can see the author himself, presenting the story here. And though he can’t hold a candle to Wangerin, the video below is Building Faith’s Matthew Kozlowski reading this beautiful narrative.

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