Read John 12:20-33
It was the time of Passover in Jerusalem with the city full of people who had come from many lands for the festivities. Some Greeks had arrived who desired to meet with Jesus. How fascinating to observe Philip from Bethsaida as the one who attempts to connect these visitors with Jesus. Philip seems to be a personality who connects people with others. In John 1:43-51, it is Philip who, after being called by Jesus, goes to Nathaniel and invites him to come and meet Jesus. Philip’s words are simple, “Come and see.” To respond to the request from the Greeks, he seeks Andrew and together they approach Jesus.
Jesus does not seem to respond directly to the request concerning the Greeks; instead, he begins to speak about a grain of wheat falling into the earth to die. Only through death would the single grain be able to bear much fruit. Philip and Andrew were probably stumped by Jesus’ answer. It didn’t seem to relate to the request by the Greeks. Keep in mind this story follows Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem with people shouting “Hosanna!” Jesus seems clearly focused on his purpose to fulfill in his week in Jerusalem.
The words that follow from Jesus are convicting and are intended to weed out lukewarm followers. Jesus challenges those who love their life. In the end, they will lose their life. But for those who are willing to lose their life in this world, they will have eternal life. Jesus calls followers to serve him and follow on the path of discipleship. To walk in the footsteps of Jesus is to be a servant.
Jesus speaks candidly about the challenges that lie ahead of him. He admits his desire to pray to God for rescue from the very hour of suffering and pain; yet, at the same time, Jesus is well aware of his purpose and the need for his suffering.
Once more a voice from heaven intervenes. The voice is accompanied by thunder. An angel speaks directly to Jesus, but the words are not shared in scripture.
In the end, Jesus seems reassured. He will continue his path to the cross, knowing his death will draw all people to him.
Prayer
Gentle Jesus, be with us in our struggles and troubled times. Teach us to pray, “Father, glorify your name.” Amen
It was the time of Passover in Jerusalem with the city full of people who had come from many lands for the festivities. Some Greeks had arrived who desired to meet with Jesus. How fascinating to observe Philip from Bethsaida as the one who attempts to connect these visitors with Jesus. Philip seems to be a personality who connects people with others. In John 1:43-51, it is Philip who, after being called by Jesus, goes to Nathaniel and invites him to come and meet Jesus. Philip’s words are simple, “Come and see.” To respond to the request from the Greeks, he seeks Andrew and together they approach Jesus.
- Why might Philip have gone to Andrew for assistance?
Jesus does not seem to respond directly to the request concerning the Greeks; instead, he begins to speak about a grain of wheat falling into the earth to die. Only through death would the single grain be able to bear much fruit. Philip and Andrew were probably stumped by Jesus’ answer. It didn’t seem to relate to the request by the Greeks. Keep in mind this story follows Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem with people shouting “Hosanna!” Jesus seems clearly focused on his purpose to fulfill in his week in Jerusalem.
- How is this image of the death of the grain relevant to this final week in the life of Jesus?
The words that follow from Jesus are convicting and are intended to weed out lukewarm followers. Jesus challenges those who love their life. In the end, they will lose their life. But for those who are willing to lose their life in this world, they will have eternal life. Jesus calls followers to serve him and follow on the path of discipleship. To walk in the footsteps of Jesus is to be a servant.
- What happened to the Greeks in the story?
- If the Greeks were able to hear Jesus’ words, what might have been their reaction?
Jesus speaks candidly about the challenges that lie ahead of him. He admits his desire to pray to God for rescue from the very hour of suffering and pain; yet, at the same time, Jesus is well aware of his purpose and the need for his suffering.
- How does it feel to hear of the troubled soul of Jesus?
- Is it troubling or assuring to see a very human side of Jesus? Explain.
Once more a voice from heaven intervenes. The voice is accompanied by thunder. An angel speaks directly to Jesus, but the words are not shared in scripture.
- What might have the angel have said?
In the end, Jesus seems reassured. He will continue his path to the cross, knowing his death will draw all people to him.
Prayer
Gentle Jesus, be with us in our struggles and troubled times. Teach us to pray, “Father, glorify your name.” Amen
Prayer Petitions for this week
These petitions are offered as guides to prayer for the global, social and outreach ministries of the ELCA, as well as for the needs and circumstances of our neighbors, communities and world. Thank you for your continued prayers for the life and mission of this church.
-Ask God to bless the Young Adults in Global Mission volunteers working alongside our companion churches and organizations in six countries around the world and in the Cambodia program, which will reopen this year.
-Give thanks for the food we receive and for those who grow, manage, harvest and prepare our food resources. Promise to respond to the needs of our neighbors and siblings in Christ who are hungry, and pray that the work we do together through ELCA World Hunger will have a deep and sustained impact.
-At the heart of our faith is the belief that, though we are weak and imperfect, we are saved from ourselves and given new life though God’s gift of grace in Jesus Christ. Lift up humble prayers of thanksgiving to God!
-Pray for the ELCA Justice for Women program, which helps us work from our faith and Lutheran theology to educate, advocate for change and lead into the future, addressing sexism and encouraging all genders to work together.
-Sing for joy and give thanks to God for providing comfort in times of distress, healing us when we are broken and reassuring us that we are valued when we feel insignificant.
-Remember in prayer seminarians and international students preparing to serve as leaders in the church and society, including those supported through ELCA Fund for Leaders scholarships, the International Women Leaders program and the International Leaders Program.
-Reflect on the people for whom you have concern. Pray for them and commit yourself to expressing your love and care in a personal way — an in-person conversation; a phone call offering help; a note, text or email.
-Ask God to bless the Young Adults in Global Mission volunteers working alongside our companion churches and organizations in six countries around the world and in the Cambodia program, which will reopen this year.
-Give thanks for the food we receive and for those who grow, manage, harvest and prepare our food resources. Promise to respond to the needs of our neighbors and siblings in Christ who are hungry, and pray that the work we do together through ELCA World Hunger will have a deep and sustained impact.
-At the heart of our faith is the belief that, though we are weak and imperfect, we are saved from ourselves and given new life though God’s gift of grace in Jesus Christ. Lift up humble prayers of thanksgiving to God!
-Pray for the ELCA Justice for Women program, which helps us work from our faith and Lutheran theology to educate, advocate for change and lead into the future, addressing sexism and encouraging all genders to work together.
-Sing for joy and give thanks to God for providing comfort in times of distress, healing us when we are broken and reassuring us that we are valued when we feel insignificant.
-Remember in prayer seminarians and international students preparing to serve as leaders in the church and society, including those supported through ELCA Fund for Leaders scholarships, the International Women Leaders program and the International Leaders Program.
-Reflect on the people for whom you have concern. Pray for them and commit yourself to expressing your love and care in a personal way — an in-person conversation; a phone call offering help; a note, text or email.
Lent 2020 -
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In Jesus’ day, women were generally silent, and rarely if ever seen, and are generally nameless. We hear about the Canaanite woman, or the Samaritan woman, or they are identified by their relationship to a man such as Jairus’s daughter or Simon’s mother-in-law. So the very inclusion of women in the gospel texts is remarkable. Yet these women are a part of our history and a part of Jesus’ story. This Lenten season, we will explore a different woman’s story each week.
Introduction to Lent 2020 and Women's Encounters with Jesus Week 1 - The Canaanite Woman: Matthew 15:21-28 Week 2 - Martha and Mary: Luke 10:38-42 Week 3 - A Bent Woman, Daughter of Abraham: Luke 13:10-17 Week 4 - A Woman Accused of Adultery: John 7:53-8:11 Week 5 - A Woman anoints Jesus for Burial - Matthew 26:6-13 |
Lent 2019 -
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Jesus often taught the crowds through powerful stories that feel just as contemporary today as they did 2000 years ago. These wonderful stories allow us to see the world of the first century through the eyes of first century followers of Jesus. Join us on this journey through 5 parables from the Gospel of Luke as we peel back the layers to discover how these parables simultaneously comfort and challenge us. Dig into the culture of the original hearers of these stories that challenge our assumptions about God, the world, our neighbors, and ourselves.
Once Upon a Time: The Beauty and Challenge of Story Week 1 - Are All Samaritans Good? Week 2 - Lost Things Week 3 - A Lost Son Week 4 - A Lost Brother Week 5 - A Feast for the Ones the World Forgot Reflections on Holy Week |
Lent 2018 |
The gospel of John tells the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection in a poignant, dramatic, and unique voice. In this Lenten Bible study, you are invited to enter into John’s world and encounter those who were a part of Jesus’ final days.
Introduction to the Gospel of John Week 1 – Nicodemus: Journey from Darkness to Light Week 2 – Judas: Journey to the Dark Side Week 3 – Peter: Journey to Understanding Week 4 – Mary Magdalene: Journey to Life Week 5 – The Beloved Disciple: Our Journey to Faithfulness |
Advent 2017 |
Pastor Joanne made a series of videos with a message for each week of the Advent season. Please follow this link to see those messages
Advent videos 2017 |