Life, Faith & Vegetables

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Lent Reflection Day 31, 9th April

April 9, 2025 /

John 18:1-11

So, we come to the final stages of Jesus ministry and the fulfilment of his purpose to bring salvation to humanity. Reconciliation between God and humanity, forgiveness of sins and the defeat of Satan are his purpose, for which he will pay what seems like the ultimate price.

The olive grove mentioned here is given the name Gethsemane in other gospels, and it seems to have been a popular place Jesus and his disciples to meet. As the arrest party arrives Jesus takes the initiative and steps forward, he knows what is coming and is not a victim of his circumstances.

As Jesus identifies himself with the words ‘I am he’ (ego eimi) the party falls back to the ground. They must have had some understanding of his power and authority as he identifies himself with the divine name for God. His authority is evident even in this moment as he tells the party to let his followers go. Luke 22:35-38 tells us that the disciples had two swords, one clearly being carried by Simon Peter who wants to defend Jesus. However, Jesus knows he must allow this arrest to take place. Luke tells us that Jesus heals the servant’s ear

It is pitch black, in an olive grove, only flaming torches for light, strange shadows, a band of armed men. It must have been frightening and chaotic yet, in the midst of the storm, Jesus remains calm and in control. In John 13 we were told that Jesus knows who he is, the authority he has and understands his relationship to the Father: all of this now keeps him steady as he faces these final hours.

Response: Choose a word, phrase, idea or action that strikes you as significant at this moment in your life and spend a few minutes reflecting on it.

Lent Reflection Day 30, 8th April

April 8, 2025 /

John 17:1-26

This prayer, the longest of Jesus’ prayers in the gospels can be viewed in four parts:

1. Jesus prays for himself vv1-5

2. Jesus prays for his disciples vv 6 -19

3. Jesus prays for all those who will believe vv 20-24

4. Conclusion vv 25-26

 ‘The hour has come’, after the events where John tells us that Jesus’ hour had not yet come, now it has arrived and Jesus knows it. His purpose has been to glorify his Father through his ministry and to show people the way to eternal life through knowing the Father and the Son. He asks to be returned to the place he once had with his Father.

Jesus prays for the disciple’s protection that they would remain as one, that they would be protected from the devil and set apart by God’s word (sanctified). Their decision to believe Jesus’ words has set them apart from the world, and for the church to be established they need to continue in that.

He extends this prayer for unity to all who will believe, to be one with the Father and the Son, which becomes a key to mission.

Finally, Jesus reiterates the unity between himself and the Father, the belief of the disciples and his intention that the love shared by the Godhead will be shared with the disciples.

Scripture tells us that Jesus continues to make intercession for us, and all that he prayed for his followers in this passage we still need. Let’s pray that we will continue in the faith in unity with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and our fellow believers.

Response: Choose a word, phrase, idea or action that strikes you as significant at this moment in your life and spend a few minutes reflecting on it.

Lent Reflection Day 29, 7th April

April 7, 2025 /

John 16:16-33

Jesus continues his slow revelation of what is about to happen to him using different metaphors, almost in the manner of a doctor trying to communicate bad news. ‘You will grieve and the world rejoice’, but then ‘you will rejoice with a joy that cannot be taken away, a bit like a woman in childbirth’. Mmmmmm…..very clear! It isn’t until he finally says, ‘I came from the Father and now I’m going back’ that they go ‘Oh, now we get it!’

They are warned that his parting will cause them to flee and leave him. Jesus’ purpose once again is to reassure them so that when the time comes they won’t lose heart. As the Good Shepherd he is going out of his way to ensure they will survive the next chapter of his story.

One big coming change is that as a result of his leaving the disciples will ask the Father directly for things in Jesus’ name. This is not to recite his name like a mantra but to ask for things both for his sake and according to his purposes.

The Lord knows us thoroughly, all our strengths and weaknesses. He knows our propensity to fail, and it does not surprise him. In desiring us to succeed in our discipleship he is ready to prepare us and go with us whatever the future holds.

Response: Choose a word, phrase, idea or action that strikes you as significant at this moment in your life and spend a few minutes reflecting on it.

Lent Reflection Day 28, April 5th

April 5, 2025 /

John 16:1-15

Jesus now adds some details as to what this persecution he has warned them of will look like. They will be rejected from their synagogues (9:22,12:42) and may even be killed for their faith in Christ (Acts 7:57-60,12:1-2). He knows how hard it will be, and he wants them to be ready when it comes. For the believer the loss of life is not defeat because of the promise of eternal life, Jesus wants his disciples to know that whatever their circumstances they can be victorious.

In the face of this impending trouble there is the promise, once again, that the Spirit will come. The work of the Spirit comes in many forms and Jesus describes the conviction he will bring in three ways:

1.the conviction of the unbeliever of the need for repentance from their sins,

2.  the conviction of the need for true righteousness

3. the awareness of judgement to come.

For the disciple he brings the assurance that they are not alone, and that they will be taught and led by the Spirit as they journey on without Jesus.

Around the world there are believers who are suffering just as Jesus describes. Many ostracised, imprisoned and killed for the gospel. Take a moment to pray for them that they will know the presence of the comforter today.

Response: Choose a word, phrase, idea or action that strikes you as significant at this moment in your life and spend a few minutes reflecting on it.

Lent Reflection Day 27, 4th April

April 4, 2025 /

John 15:1-27

Jesus reiterates his teaching from the previous chapters using the analogy of a grapevine, where he is the vine and the Father is the gardener. This is something that would have been familiar to his disciples. Israel was meant to be God’s true vine but had been false to him (Isaiah 5:1-7) and so now there is a new Grapevine. We are called to remain in relationship to Jesus, to be part of this vine, allowing ourselves to be pruned (made clean and purified) by his words, remaining in his love and so producing fruit.

Again, we are reminded to love as Jesus has loved us. Jesus raises the relationship with his disciples from that of slaves to a master to one of friends. He has taken them into his confidence regarding everything the Father has told him.

Jesus then seeks to prepare his friends for the trouble they will face since they have chosen to follow him, and reminds them that it is all because people have rejected him, his words and his miracles. But the advocate, the comforter, will come to testify about Jesus alongside the disciples. Being persecuted is not going to be a reason to not speak up for the truth when one who is like Jesus is going to be with them all the time. Staying close to Jesus is as vital to us now as it was for them then; it provides strength, wisdom and courage whatever life may throw at us.

Response: Choose a word, phrase, idea or action that strikes you as significant at this moment in your life and spend a few minutes reflecting on it.

Lent Reflection Day 26, 3rd April

April 3, 2025 /

John 14:15-31

There are 4 themes we could look at in this passage.

1. The advocate (paraclete), comforter , counsellor, encourager is coming. We will not be left alone like orphans, he will be living with and in us, and he will lead believers into all truth. He is another advocate like Jesus. John is the only gospel writer to use this word to describe the Holy Spirit. We do not have to become super disciples to receive the Spirit, simply come into a relationship with Jesus through faith.

2. Jesus resurrection will bring life and proof of who Jesus is to all who believe.

3. Living in an ongoing, loving relationship with the Father and the Son depends on obedience to his commands. Although it involves a heart response, we can’t say ‘we love Jesus’ and then not live life as he asks us to. This is not just about sentimentality.

4. Jesus gives us peace of heart and mind; a peace that goes beyond what the world can give Psalm 37: 7-9.

Whilst Jesus’ death might suggest the devil has won his battle and overthrown him, Jesus is clear that his enemy has no power. Jesus, the sinless son of God, is voluntarily giving up his life in order to take it up again.

Here we see the Godhead at work together to ensure that we have all we need to be disciples, and we are never abandoned, no matter how we might feel.

Response: Choose a word, phrase, idea or action that strikes you as significant at this moment in your life and spend a few minutes reflecting on it.

Lent Reflection Day 25, 2nd April

April 2, 2025 /

John 14:1-14

In spite of three years of following Jesus, listening to his teaching and witnessing the miracles the disciples are still confused about what is going on, and the relationship that exists between Jesus and the Father. Maybe it’s because life has just suddenly taken a very dramatic turn with all this talk of Jesus leaving and their not being able to go with him.

V1 Jesus addresses it head on with his encouragement to trust him and the Father. A verse that we can all take hold of in difficult times. It seems hardly surprising they are confused, Jesus is talking both physically of his departure and yet also spiritually about the way to him. You can feel Thomas’ is frustration. The way is Jesus himself, and through him we come to the Father. The relationship between the Father and the Spirit is still not clear to them, as evidenced by Philip’s question. To see Jesus and to hear him is to see and hear the Father. Knowing this is hard, Jesus says ‘well if that’s too hard at least believe because of the works’. There is no such thing as a stupid question (so they say), if we don’t know or understand what God is doing, we can ask and know that he will be willing to answer us.

Then we have this extraordinary promise that those who believe can do the same if not greater works in Jesus’ name. This is because he is going and when he goes the Spirit will come. Jesus going; his death, resurrection and ascension will prepare an eternal place in God’s presence for all believers (v 2-3) and, as we will read tomorrow, usher in the arrival of the Holy Spirit.

Response: Choose a word, phrase, idea or action that strikes you as significant at this moment in your life and spend a few minutes reflecting on it.

Lent Reflection Day 24, 1st April

April 1, 2025 /

John 13:21-38

Jesus is not indifferent to the betrayal that is about to happen, it troubles him as it would anyone in that situation. (The  disciple who asks Jesus who the betrayer is was most likely John, the gospel writer, v 23, 21:20-24)

It seems likely that only those sat near him heard Jesus’ answer, and it appears strange that they don’t intervene. Maybe, because Jesus didn’t act to stop it, neither did they. So, Satan entered Judas and now he moves to carry out the devilish plan which will of course backfire on him and the devil.

Jesus knows that everything that is about to happen to him will bring glory to God and to himself. They are as one in their actions to save the world, as John described in ch. 3 v 16. He wants his disciples to be as one in their love for him and one another. Whilst the Old Testament taught them to love their neighbour as themselves, Jesus now raises the bar. They are to love each other as Jesus has loved them. This type of love will show the world they are his disciples.

Peter, in his enthusiasm to be a true follower of Jesus, seems to take the information that he can’t follow Jesus yet as a slight, and declares his willingness to die. It’s hard to imagine how he must have felt when Jesus warned him of his coming denial. Perhaps he didn’t believe it was possible or didn’t really know himself that well. It certainly didn’t stop him later on (ch 18).

Lord, help us to love as you have called us to love and be our true selves before you.

Response: Choose a word, phrase, idea or action that strikes you as significant at this moment in your life and spend a few minutes reflecting on it.

Lent Reflection Day 23, 31st March

March 31, 2025 /

John 13:1-20

This is the beginning of five chapters of teaching by Jesus as he prepares his disciples for his departure. John’s focus in his recounting of the Last Supper is not so concerned with the supper itself i.e. the bread and wine, but the washing of the disciples feet.

John tells us of four things that Jesus knows:

1 V1he knows his time has come to leave and return to the Father

2 V3 he knows the Father has given all authority to him

3 V11 he knows who will betray him

4 V18 He knows who he has chosen

In spite of what is coming he is in complete control of himself and his circumstances. His security comes from knowing who he is, his determination from knowing his purpose and his steadfastness from his understanding of those around him. The teaching that follows the foot washing and the warning of betrayal are motivated by his great love for his disciples, and the hope that they will not lose trust in him, that he is the Messiah.

Jesus’ taking up the place of a servant to wash the disciples’ feet causes a great consternation, expressed by Peter, that this is not right. Of course, there is a purpose to all this as Jesus prepares them for how they are to behave when he is gone.

Jesus’ deep love for his disciples today has not ended because he has ascended, it continues to flow to us through the Word and the Spirit every day.

Response: Choose a word, phrase, idea or action that strikes you as significant at this moment in your life and spend a few minutes reflecting on it.

Lent Reflection Day 22, 29th March

March 29, 2025 /

John 12:23-50

Here we start to get a sense of the deep emotion stirring in Jesus as he knows his time has come (v 23). Up until now John has told us repeatedly that Jesus’ time had not yet come, but now it has and he knows it cannot and should not be avoided.

The arrival of Greek visitors prompts Jesus to speak of the harvest that will come from his death not just for the Jews but all people of the earth (v 24,32). Right now is not the time for judgement, that will come but at a later date, now it  is about salvation.

In the upside down world of the gospel those who love their life will lose it, and those who don’t will receive eternal life. The call to follow is a call to servanthood, but with it comes the promise of honour from the father. This is the last time Jesus will address the crowd en mass (v 44) and it seems to me that we get a sense of the urgency Jesus feels. There isn’t much time left before his death and resurrection to teach them the truth and point them to the Father.

We have been given a choice to walk in the light or in the dark, to trust Jesus or not. The challenge is real but so is the reward.

Response: Choose a word, phrase, idea or action that strikes you as significant at this moment in your life and spend a few minutes reflecting on it.

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