40 DAYS READING THE GOSPEL OF JOHN
Welcome to our Lenten Devotional Series of reading through the gospel of John. The gospel of John is different from the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke in that John shares stories about Jesus that are unique to the gospel of John. Only John tells us about the wedding miracle, a woman at a well and the brother of two sisters raised from the dead.
The gospel of John is written to help us see the humanity of Jesus and how Jesus is touched by the things that impact us. However, John also reminds us that Jesus is divine as well and in his divinity, will use his power to aid us.
Each day we will read an assigned passage from John and will have Sunday as a rest day or to catch up on missed readings. At the end of each week, I will post a reflection of the readings for the week with key takeaways.
In addition to reading the gospel of John, I am requesting that persons give one dollar each day during Lent. The dollar a day gift will be used at the end of Lent to support a mission project that will show our ongoing witness to the gospel. You may give your gift online, by cash app, by mail or drop off at the church. Please indicate your gift is for Lent.
Finally, for those who so desire, join us in a Daniel Fast during these 40 days. (Click Here for More Info)
I pray that our Lenten journey together through Bible reading, giving, prayer and fasting will further unite us as a congregation toward a common cause and a common goal--to be drawn near to Christ.
Let’s begin the journey with a prayer of commitment:
Lord, my desire is to be drawn closer to thee. I know my tendencies to do the things that please me and require less of me in terms of sacrifice, surrender, suffering and service. So, grant me the strength I need to honor my commitment to you. May I learn what you have waiting for those who will offer themselves to you and trust you to lead in paths of higher potential. Make me ready for the journey because of the promise of your presence. Amen
DR. RICKY A. WOODS
FBC-W SENIOR MINISTER
LENTEN JOURNEY
John in 40 Days (Ash Wednesday- Easter)
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Tips for Bible Reading Success
- Set a time and place where you will do your reading
- Place your Bible someplace visible as a reminder.
- Print out the Bible chart and track your progress by marking off readings as you complete them.
- Make no exceptions! Vow to do it no matter what!
- If you blow the last tip, then just start over where you left off. Pick up on a light day or on Sunday.
- Think of this as a gift to God. Have fun giving it and share your story with others. Your accomplishment may inspire them.
Friday, April 2, 2021
10:28 AM
WEEK FIVE LENTEN DEVOTIONAL SERIES JOHN 12:27-15:17
Friday, April 2, 2021
10:28 AM
Friday, April 2, 2021
10:28 AM
The readings from last week brought us to the end of Jesus’ public ministry. He is in Jerusalem now during Passion Week--the week the Christian church acknowledges as the last week of his life before the events of the cross.
The time that Jesus spends in those last days are in close quarters with his disciples. There are no public appearances at the temple or in local synagogues. Jesus’ mood is noticeable different, and we hear of the heaviness in his spirit.
The big event that claims our attention most in this section of John is the last Passover meal that Jesus shared with his disciples. During the meal Jesus teaches a lesson about service and humility in his willingness to wash the disciple’s feet. This task was normally done by a servant in the home of the host or by the host.
No servant or host was present when Jesus went into the upper room, so he did what others knew needed to be done but refused to do so. He took a towel, poured water into a basin and washed the disciples’ feet.
Service performed through humility is God’s expectation of those who claim allegiance to him.
The Passover Meal also informs us of the coming betrayal by one in the ranks of the disciples. The failure of Jesus to live up to the Messianic expectation of others plays a role in his betrayal. If Jesus will not use his power to overthrow the Romans, he is not the Messiah that some will follow.