Good snowy afternoon,
The past few weeks in this season have been an intentional time of focus on the true picture of Jesus. As we get ever closer to Holy Week, we pray that this resource is awakening you to Jesus in fresh ways.
If you are just joining us or are wondering what Lent is all about, scroll to the bottom of this email.
I AM
We are studying the 7 statements Jesus makes in John beginning with this phrase – ‘I am’. The best way to get to know someone is ask them to tell you about themselves. With these words, Jesus identifies himself fully – he tells us who he is. Once we understand this it changes everything.
Week 5 “I am the resurrection and the life.” – Jesus
- Read ~ John 11
- Reflect ~ Where in my life do I find it hard to completely trust Jesus? Are there things that cause me to question His love? Is there a place I can picture him weeping with me? What does it mean that he doesn’t just bring life but says he IS life? Where is he calling me to come out of death and into life?
- Practice ~ What makes you feel most alive? This week, take off the grave clothes and practice these things. Celebrate the story of resurrection He brings to us even now.
- Prayer ~ Lord of life, Lord who is life, awaken my heart and mind to your true identity. In your proclamation I find hope. This hope is not just for future resurrection but the conquering of death and bringing of life NOW. I trust you are the only answer to my lifelessness.
3/17 Sermon reflection & discussion guide
Lent 2024 Visio Divina prompts
Both playlist and prompts will be added to each week, so keep checking back! Please reach out if you have questions about Lent, this series or would like to share about your own Lenten journey!
Caitlin
What is Lent?
The season of Lent is the 40 days leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus and his resurrection three days later and a time to prepare our hearts. This season has been observed by Christians all over the world for over 1,000 years.
The purpose of participating and engaging in this time of preparation is to come closer to Jesus. It is really a season of focus – focusing our attention and being intentional about the work of God in our lives.
Lent can be full of some very hard truths. We take stock of our souls and are honest with ourselves. We dig in and face pain and some things that aren’t comfortable. JRR Tolkien said, “You can only come to the morning through the shadows.” Our faith offers us hope because it does not avoid hard things, it moves through them. Jesus, our Savior does not opt out or choose another way, he meets death head on for us.
