Mark 9:9-10 (NIV)
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant.
Today’s Passage: John 12:1-8
Opening Prayer: There is drama wherever people gather. There are differences of opinion wherever people gather. There is affliction wherever people gather. So, how do we get along? How do we work together? How do we make this a better place to live, for us and for others… both spiritually and physically? Maybe we need to look at the needs of others and move forward to address some of those things? Maybe if we focus on the positive things, the negative things will become more manageable or more bearable? Father God, thank you for the rich diversity that we find in all aspects of Your creation. Help us to not only tolerate the diversity, but to embrace and relish it! May we see that this diversity, when brought together and united in righteousness, becomes a powerful force for You to use in the building of Your Kingdom. Left alone we become divided and a less than effective tool in Your hands. May we be molded into something useful to You and Your kingdom. May we be united in service to Your purpose – that all might ultimately be saved. In Christ, I pray. Amen.
Opening Song: Micah Tyler – Different (Official Music Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUT4trsrBCw
Message [used with permission from A Sermon for Every Sunday]: “This Is Us” – The Fifth Sunday in Lent by Rachel May, Pastor of Boulevard United Methodist Church in Richmond, Virginia.
“There was a place called Bethany…the house of the afflicted,” begins Rachel May, pastor of Boulevard United Methodist Church in Richmond, Virginia. In John 12:1-8, Jesus is at the house of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. May continues, “The good news is embedded in the setting.” It can sometimes be hard to find or pick out. This passage takes us to the beginning of Holy Week. “We find Jesus in a household where there is devotion and dissent, Sabbath rest and ministry imagining, active service and relaxed fellowship, a celebration of life and preparations for the grave. All of this, in one house.” This is where we find ourselves as the people of God, approaching the beginning of Holy Week. The closer we come to this story the more we see: This is us.
or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iA7pa84B2vk
Closing Song: Zach Williams – Chain Breaker (Official Lyric Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGYjKR69M6U
Closing Prayer: Let us each find a way to testify to the power, strength, and love of our Savior. He is the only way… the only way out of the messes we have created, the brokenness we feel, to peace and joy here and now, and to eternal life. Why would you choose any other? Father God, may we see our way clear of all that keeps us from finding You; from growing in You. May we draw close to Jesus. May we be comforted by the one who knows and sees our pain and brokenness. We are more than conquerors through Christ; we are heirs to the Kingdom… alongside brothers and sisters who are In Christ. May these things all be true, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Epilogue: Through It All – Hillsong Worship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GthZbt1lPo
Do not believe me unless I do the works of my Father. John 10:37 (NIV)
Passage: John 10:31-39
We often read, in the Bible, how Jesus was all about doing the work of His heavenly Father. In this passage, Jesus tells the religious leaders they can believe in Him because of His works. In our earthly experiences, it is sometimes hard to know whom to believe. By applying the same standard, as described in this passage, maybe we will know who is trustworthy and who is not. In addition, may we believe in Jesus because of who He is… not needing to rely upon what He has actually done for us. May we seek, just as Jesus did, to do the work of the our heavenly Father. As we follow Jesus Christ’s example, may we be found worthy, through Christ, in the eyes of our heavenly Father. (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)
Revival awakens in our hearts an increased awareness of the presence of God, and new hatred for sin, and a hunger for His Word. – Del Fehsenfeld, Jr.
I and the Father are one. John 10:30 (NIV)
Passage: John 10:22-30
If we are looking to do the will of the Father, just as Jesus did, we need to look no farther than the examples and teachings of Jesus. Building a relationship is about getting to know someone. By design, we can know our heavenly Father better by getting to know Jesus – after all Jesus and the Father are one. May we seek to know our heavenly Father better. As we become more Christlike, may others note the similarities. (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)
Father, we seek knowledge and wisdom. We know they come from you. Help us to be the disciples you want us to be, the kind we desire to be. Fill our hearts with a burning, overwhelming passion to seek you in our lives daily. Amen
I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me. John 10:14 (NIV)
Passage: John 10:11-21
A shepherd is responsible for the care of the flock. The shepherd also guides the flock to safety when the flock is threatened. As this caring relationship grows, between the flock and the shepherd, the flock begins to trust the shepherd more and more. As the trust builds, the flock willingly listens to, and follows, the directions given to them by the shepherd. May we look to Jesus, the good shepherd, for His provision, care, and protection. May we trust Him to guide us in the big things, as well as the little things, we encounter in each and every day. (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)
James 1:26 (CEB)
If those who claim devotion to God don’t control what they say, they mislead themselves. Their devotion is worthless.
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. John 10:9 (NIV)
Passage: John 10:1-10
An illustration, such as the one in today’s Scripture passage, that uses sheep and a shepherd, provides us with an understandable picture of what it takes to have life, and have it to the full [v.10]. If we look at the passage more closely, we can see this is a bittersweet illustration. Some people will find the gate, others will not. Some will hear the voice of Jesus and the gospel message, but others will be led astray or deceived by those who claim to know the way, but do not. We have one way to enter into eternal life. It is by going through the gate – the gate is Jesus. May we enter into life, through Christ. May we have eyes to see and ears to hear when our Shepherd, Jesus, is calling. May we be reassured of our position, in Christ. May we help others to find the gate and enter in. (inspired by Reflecting God – Devotions for Holy Living, WordAction Publishing Company)
Away with this religion of resolutions! It is a snare of death. Away with this effort to make the life holy while the heart has not in it the love of God. Oh! That men would learn to look directly at Christ through the Gospel! – Charles Finney
Faithfully Yours Forever 