Read a Gospel for Lent: Week 1
Scripture :
Depending on the gospel you choose to read through for Lent, the following suggestions will keep you on track to complete your readings by the end of Lent.
Matthew 1-4
Mark 1-2
Luke 1-4
John 1-3
Below you will find reflection prompts specifically for the book of John, as well as a prayer you can use as you read this week.
Reflection prompts:
Jesus is called the Word and the Light. How do these aspects of His character challenge you? How do they encourage you?
A theme in these chapters is light and darkness. In John 3, it says Light has come into the world, but people love darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Skipping back to John 1, it says, “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it,” and that Jesus is the Light. Take a moment to reflect on the battle of light and darkness in you and in this world, and the Truth that God’s Word declares that the darkness can not overcome the Light.
Pay special attention to how many times the phrase bear witness appears in the first three chapters of John. (You could even highlight, underline, or circle each time in your Bible!) We, like John, are to bear witness to the Light– Jesus. What does it look like practically to bear witness to Jesus in your current season? Think of one or more specific people He has placed in your life to point them to Him and commit to praying for them.
“Come and see”-- Jesus calls his disciples. Is there something God is inviting you into that you need to take a step of obedience?
Jesus’s earthly ministry begins with Jesus using something seemingly without value and gives it value– what is the significance of the first miracle?
In John 3, it says that God did not send His Son to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through Jesus. As you reflect on an area of brokenness in your relationship with God through Lent, what does it mean to you that Jesus’s mission is rooted in salvation, not condemnation?
Personalize John 3:16, replacing the world with your name. Repeat this practice with family, friends, or those specific people He has placed on your heart to pray for.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for sending Jesus to show me how to live for Your kingdom in this broken world and love people made in Your image. Thank You for sending Jesus to save me from a life spent apart from You. I need You every day, every minute. Identify in me what needs Your light and help me surrender that to you. May I bear witness to a broken world who You are and how You love.
Amen