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Introduction
The readings from the gospels come predominantly from John with the exception of the account of the Temptations of Jesus (which is not included by John) and the arrival in Jerusalem.
John’s gospel is unique. It provides some of the longest dialogues that Jesus had with his disciples in which he is systematically explaining who he is and how his ministry will change the world for ever. In particular, his use of the words “I am the . . .” make really important links for the Hebrew reader to those early encounters that God had with Moses and the great patriarchs and provide a profound insight into the scope of his ministry. Having said that, there are few parables and fewer miracles and much of the gospel is attributed to the time that Jesus spent in Jerusalem rather than in Galilee. Most scholars would agree that this is the last of the gospels to be written and it is therefore understandable that it reflects some of the challenges that second and possibly even third generation Christians were facing in a post-Nero Roman empire.
Sunday 9 March 2014 First Sunday in Lent - Matthew 4: 1 – 11
It’s in a desert place – a vulnerable place for one just starting out as a Rabbi. No disciples. No validation from the Temple authorities. One standing alone with only an echo of a heavenly affirmation: “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17). So the tests come in three waves – the challenge over the physical domain as Jesus is called to transform stones to bread (temporal), the challenge to the extent of his trust in an almighty God as angels might bring rescue as he falls to the ground (reliance on his Father) and a test about the extent of his power on earth as he is offered control of all nations (majesty). And all this takes place before a word is preached. There would be further trials much later in his ministry, but this encounter is with the devil and not with the leaders who later oppose him. Here we begin to understand the context for his ministry as one who will overthrow the devil. Here, Jesus begins to explain that the Kingdom of God is coming – that its principles are counter-intuitive to those whose experience was steeped in Hebrew history, or those who have been persecuted by the Roman empire. The Kingdom of God would change things for ever.
As we begin our journey through Lent, let us hold as our themes bread for those who are hungry; love for those who live with doubts about faith; and joy for all who lift their hands in praise to God.
Sunday 16 March 2014 Second Sunday in Lent - John 3: 1 – 17
Sometimes, we just don’t get it. Sometimes, the encounter seems (on the face of it) to be about one thing, when in reality it takes on a much deeper significance. It must be to do with the way our brains function at the level of logic or our pre-disposition to expect the answer that is in our head. The grooves of our thinking have been there a while and are probably getting deeper! So a learned man called Nicodemus finds himself in one of these conversations which, when he reflects back on it, was actually about something much more profound! Whilst he pursues the Rabbi for divine insight (v2), Jesus takes him to a place where the Holy Spirit dwells (v6). Jesus reveals one of those key requirements about the Kingdom of God: “No-one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit” (v5).
One of the steps in Lent is towards a greater openness to the Holy Spirit in our lives. Paul speaks of the Spirit as the source of a “mighty inner strength” (Ephesians 3:16). So, however tentative our steps of faith are, the Holy Spirit is ever present to support us and strengthen us.
Sunday 23 March 2014 Third Sunday in Lent - John 4: 5 – 42
We live in a world that really likes us to define differences. The “them” and “us”. In the world of politics – discussion is so often about the gap between the rich and those in poverty, those in work and those on benefits, people who see the UK as “theirs” and those who are seeking to make England their home too. Some go so far as to say that we have never been so divided a community as we are now. But one of the loud sirens in John’s gospel is this – that the love of God respects no boundaries. Jesus affirms this in as he stops for refreshment by the well in Samaria. It may have been “their” territory, but he was at home. He may have broken unwritten rules about a man communicating with a woman on her own, but he is at ease in this encounter. By his deliberate choice to be found in this place and his determination to meet and talk with this woman his actions speak volumes about how each individual is embraced and loved by God. And the testimony of the people from the village, after Jesus spends two days with them could not have been more profound: “Now we believe because we have heard him ourselves, not just because of what you told us. He is indeed the Saviour of the world” (v42) – the Kingdom of God is not just for Israel, but for the world (i.e. both “them” and “us”) and for individuals like us.
Sunday 30 March 2014 Fourth Sunday in Lent - John 9: 1 – 41
This is a story of healing and wholeness which presents a profound problem for the Temple authorities. If this had been a story of revelation, then a poor and un-educated man could be swiftly dismissed by the Pharisees and the teachers of the law. As it is, they have physical evidence to contend with that is substantiated by the blind man’s acquaintances and also his family members. But there can be no side-stepping what has happened. It is a miracle - one who could not see is now able to function in a world full of light and shadow, of recognition and wonder.
John Newton was inspired to write: “I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind but now I see.” For Newton, this was all about understanding – faith in Christ enabled him to see things that, whilst they had always existed, were revealed at a specific moment and came to shape his future life of faith. And John uses this miracle of the blind man in his gospel to draw a similar metaphor. Jesus helps the blind man who has been healed to take a second step – a step of faith (v38). First, he is healed and then he is saved. Truly an inspirational story of a transformed life.
Our journey through Lent is a time when we too can take stock. What would it take to make us whole? How can this journey with Jesus continue the transformation of my life into something new and beautiful?
Sunday 6 April 2014 Passion Sunday - John 11: 1 – 45
Was it a bad call? Did Jesus allow the ministry to people “beyond the River Jordon” to distract him from the terminal illness of his friend Lazarus? It is clear that the disciples were in no hurry to venture back to Bethany and be exposed again to the risk of stoning at the hands of the Jewish leaders (John 10:31). Indeed, it took Thomas to persuade the others to join Jesus on the trip (John 11:16). So a story full of “what if?” questions. But there is no hint of prevarication in the narrative. Even as Jesus arrives and hears the news that Lazarus had already been dead for four days (v17), he continues forward with his promise: “I am the resurrection and the life” (v25) and moves through the mourners to confront the tomb. Here he pauses to pray before calling Lazarus out.
It is one of those personal traits that some of us cannot seem to shed. But, just as the days move on towards Easter, so God calls us to move on, without prevarication in our relationship with him. Standing still on our journey through Lent is a temporary rest . . . not a permanent destination!
Sunday 13 April 2014 Palm Sunday - Matthew 21: 1 – 11
Back to the Matthew gospel for the account of the approach to Jerusalem with the celebration of much prophecy fulfilled with echoes of Isaiah and Zechariah. Some spread coats on the road, others cut branches from the trees as the Psalm is sung in jubilation: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” (Psalm 118:26). It feels like it was a sunny day – full of smiles and laughter – when people sing and dance out of a sense of joy and happiness. But why this impromptu festival? And why now? We could speculate, but one consistent theme of the ministry of Jesus is this – The Kingdom of God will change everything. So the carnival features a donkey and a man dressed in normal clothing. His entourage wield branches and cloaks, not swords and shields. They seem more focused on the Rabbi than on the enemy. This is no rabble entering Jerusalem to make trouble, this is a celebration of God’s Kingdom coming before their eyes.
Let us spend some time reflecting on the majesty of Jesus today. He is holy, and chooses to gently ride into the future with hope and not fear. His might is understated. His seeking for justice is the determination written on his face. He knows, with assurance, that the Father is with him. Our daily witness should be to be more like THIS Jesus in our walk of faith – and look to whatever the future brings with a sure and steady hope. “We have a hope that is steadfast and certain” StF327
