I Am the True Vine - A Lent Teaching Series
What is the fruit that our ministry bears? Jesus, the True Vine, teaches what it means to be his hands and feet. Aunty Dr Anne Pattel-Gray wraps up our 2020 Lent series.
View and download a PDF of this Lent Teaching here.
For those who rely on their eyes to see, being plunged into darkness can be a confronting and disorienting experience. In the pitch black, we can rationally know that something is in front of us, but we cannot see it. It is, in one sense, un-real. When the light returns, clarity comes. We can see and experience what we know is true. We can see new things for the first time.
Today, Lyn Edge reflects on Jesus as the light of the world. There are many ways that we are plunged into disorientating darkness. We may feel that our anchor point has disappeared. Yet into this disorientation Jesus brings light through his words of love, hope and action. Beyond this, he invites us to shine his light into the world around us. Through Jesus’ love in action, we provide opportunity for people to see truth and love, which is otherwise obscured by the disorienting darkness.
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Today's Reading: John 8:12
Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
Reflection Questions:
- What is some of the “disorientating darkness” that you encounter?
- In the midst of this disorientating darkness, what is the light you have hoped for? What have you needed to help guide you and remind you of truth, love and action?
- How do your actions bring light?
- How do they orientate yourself and others to justice and love?
If you’d like to think more about this passage, read a longer written reflection from our contributor here.
Daily Bible Readings:
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Wed 4 Mar |
John 7:1-13 |
How is Jesus participating in the Festival of Tabernacles? |
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Thur 5 Mar |
John 7:14-36 |
Observe the different perspectives toward Jesus |
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Fri 6 Mar |
John 7:37-52 |
Reflect on Jesus’ words and the variety of responses |
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Sat 7 Mar |
John 8:1-12 |
Consider where there is light and darkness in this scene |
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Sun 8 Mar |
John 8:12 |
Sit with this text, mulling it over slowly today |
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Mon 9 Mar |
Dt 16:12-14 |
Consider the origin of the Feast of Tabernacles/Booths |
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Tue 10 Mar |
John 8:12-33 |
What do we learn of Jesus’ identity? |
Pray:
Lord Jesus, God of light and love, thank you for coming into the disorientating darkness. You meet us in the places of darkness and confusion. As you reach out to us, may we see this hope and action extended into all of creation around us. Lord Jesus, we live in a world with so much disorientating darkness that it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Please help us to see You in amongst these circumstances: you have not left us alone. Thank you for the hope you bring us. In Jesus name, Amen.
Lt Colonel Lyn Edge is currently the Secretary for Mission for The Salvation Army Australia. Her current role brings together her background in social, pastoral and theological work as she leads The Salvation Army social and community mission delivery. Lyn has been a Salvation Army officer for over 20 years, working in both Sydney and Paris before moving to Melbourne. She has a Doctorate of Ministry in Missiology and has co-authored the book, “Partnering with God: Being a Missional Salvationist”.
