John 18:1–40: Palm Sunday
Written by Mike Bogelund
Read or listen to John 18:1–40.
What a fantastic Palm Sunday service! If you weren’t able to attend in-person or online, be sure to catch it on our YouTube channel here — we balanced Palm Sunday with the arrest of Jesus with the amazing help of our choir, our youth, our kids and more! Special thanks to Hannah for the drama script and Carol for amazing props. 🙂
Jesus is shaping us each week as we seek Him and follow His lead. Easter weekend approaches and with it Jesus invites us to acknowledge Him and follow Him. As you seek Jesus this week and listen for what He is putting in your cup, I encourage you to share what you are hearing with someone. In that sharing, may He confirm to you that you’ve heard it well, and when you are clear on the invite — move into it, don’t wait for Sunday, but move into it with confidence as an act of worship for that is what it is.
John 17:1–26: Priests to the World
Read or listen to John 17:1–26.
In our reading this week, Jesus prays for three things:
- For God’s glory to be made known
- For his disciples – for unity
- For the world to know him
Choose one of these today and pray for it as Jesus did. Pray for God’s presence to fill the earth. Pray for his Church to be united around Jesus Christ. Pray for the world to know Jesus through your words and actions today.
Then, consider one area from those listed below where you might share God’s love with others this week. Who are the people that God has placed in your life to whom you might be the answer to your own prayer?
John 15:26–16:33: The Advocate
Read or listen to John 15:26—16:33.
On Sunday we explored what it means for the Holy Spirit to be our Advocate, the one called alongside us to help. In life we will encounter trouble, but God has not left our side. Jesus promises us that, ultimately, our troubles will end in joy. Watch this short video by the Bible Project to learn more about how the Holy Spirit is active in our world.
John 15:1–25: Tending to Grow: Exploring the Reality that God Wants Us to Succeed
Read or listen to John 15:1–25.
We entered this week focusing on the idea of God being the gardener of our lives. Two ideas to consider as you further reflect on what God is trying to cultivate in your life:
First, if you are looking for opportunities in the church, I will highlight three of the main priorities I can see right now. First is our need for Youth Ministry Leaders, then it would also be great to see some new Small Groups form, and an additional leader for our technology team would be amazing! These are not the only ways you can get involved, but they are key areas that need prayer and the right people in the days and weeks ahead.
Second, Jesus’ instruction is to abide/remain in His love. While it is possible that God is going to do some pruning and/or your next step is to add or change what you are doing, it is also possible He is leading you to continue on, steady as it goes. It’s not always about doing more.
May the Holy Spirit guide you this week, and may the love of God sustain you! If one of our staff or I can help you connect further, please reach out.
—Mike Bogelund
Home Activity
As a household, find an item (Lego, paperclips, etc.) and connect as many of them as possible. Can you make a connection that crosses the room?
How can we as a household connect with God together?
- Read the Bible together 1x / week
- Pray together at meals
- Memorize John 15:5
- Other:
John 14:1–14: The Way to the Father's House
Read or listen to John 14:1–14.
God enters the Temple. The author of Hebrews says it like this: “By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place.” (Heb 10:20) The curtain is torn. All may come near to God. This is the way to the Father.
Jesus calls us follow him into death so that we might be raised to new life. This is where he went to prepare a place for us in the Father’s house. If we call ourselves Jesus-followers, we willingly follow him to death: Death to ourselves, our pride, fear, anger, shame, prejudices, etc. This is the call for us individually, and also as a church.
We are in the season of Lent now, and dying and repentance is what Lent is all about as we prepare our hearts for resurrection. What needs to be put to death within yourself so that you can embrace resurrection life to the full right now? Take a few minutes this week to talk to God about this.
—Katelyn Entz
John 13:18–38: Dip, Dip, Serve
Read or listen to John 13:18—38.
Jesus walked out his journey to the cross with many complicating factors. This week we have focused in on the reality that he was betrayed by not one but two of his inner circle of 12. As we seek to follow Jesus, we know that we will have troubles (we will cover it again when we get to John 16) as well. Life is not easy without Jesus, and life with Jesus isn’t automatically fixed to be easy. Life is messy; circumstances and people both contribute to it being this way. Jesus, however, promises that His is the way that leads to abundance. He is also committed to being with us all along the journey. I encourage you to seek Jesus in the hard places, whether now or in the past (and yes, in the future) — even ask Him in your prayer time to show you where He was during a hard season or a troubling event in your life. May He reassure you of His love and presence in response.
Further to the hard road, Jesus calls us to focus ahead and intentionally live with love as our primary mandate — His kind of love. As we do this, we will find that some decisions are easier. For example, when you see someone in need and you love them, it will be easier to pray for them, meet their needs and thus represent Jesus accurately to them. When we are open to hearing other people’s hard stories, we will more readily enter into their pain and accompany them when we love. Our life here is not about having it easy and avoiding the hard stuff — it’s about living well, through the hard stuff, and letting love not only lead, but conquer. Enjoy the victories along the way, and if you could use prayer or a discussion, our staff is ready and able to join you in either!
—From Pastor Mike
John 13:1–17: Wash, Rinse, Repeat
Read or listen to John 13:1–17.
Having a regular rhythm of confession, repentance, and forgiveness is perhaps one of our neglected practices. Becoming people of repentance is not negotiable for those who are part of God’s kingdom.
Neither is it good to focus solely on our sin. After all, we were created good (see Genesis 1!), were broken and trapped by sin, and have been restored through Jesus’ death on the cross!
This week, slowly repeat Jesus’ words to his disciples, of which you are one: “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean.” (John 13:10a)
As you repeat this truth, take time to focus on who you have become as someone made clean by Jesus. Thank him for his work in you and the places he uses you in his kingdom.
Then, focus on the past day and the places where you have sinned, either by neglect or intent, in action, thought, or speech. Pray for forgiveness and restoration.
Finally, consider the amazing hope of tomorrow. Pray that you will be able to see where Jesus is showing up in your life, in your interactions with others, in creation around you (we have been having incredible sunrises and sunsets lately!), and in opportunities to serve others.
Home Activity
Try these experiments at home!
- Pepper and Water
- Fill a small, shallow bowl with water.
- Shake pepper into the bowl until the top is covered thinly with pepper.
- Put a small amount of dish soap on the tip of your finger.
- Place your finger on the surface of the water and watch what happens.
- Cream and Food Colouring
- Fill a small bowl with cream.
- Drop several drops of food colouring into the cream.
- Put a small amount of dish soap on the tip of your finger.
- Place your finger on the surface of the cream and watch what happens.
Discuss: How is the dish soap like Jesus washing the disciples’ feet?
John 12:12–50: Only a Single Seed
In John 12:24, Jesus says, “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”
Jesus’ death and resurrection enable us to become the same kind of human Jesus is. As this video explains, Jesus is the seed for a new tree of life, and you get to eat its fruit.
This short video is a great explanation of how Jesus is the seed of a new tree of life.
John 11:45–12:11: Not a Tame Lion
Read John 12:1–11.
On Sunday, Katelyn said, “When fear governs our faith, someone always becomes expendable.” The Pharisees were afraid of what Jesus would do, and so Jesus became expendable. Mary, on the other hand, fully saw and accepted Jesus just as he was, even knowing that he was going to his death.
What are you afraid of this week? How does this fear use and harm those in your life (or perhaps yourself)? What might it look like for you to fully see and accept Jesus where he shows up this week?
Talk to Jesus about your fears and hopes. Talk to your friends and family about it too. Fears become smaller when they are shared in safe spaces. If you need to talk to a pastor, contact any of the staff. We’d love to talk and pray with you!
John 11:1-44: Don't Fear the Reaper
Pick one of the following passages and spend ten minutes meditating on it. If your mind wanders, repeat the verse to draw your attention back. What truth is God shining on your circumstances? Tomorrow, try this with another verse.
John 11:25: Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.”
John 8:12: Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
Zephaniah 3:17: For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
Psalm 23:4: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Isaiah 43:1-2: But now, this is what the LORD says—He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.
John 10:22–42: "How Long Will You Keep Us In Suspense?"
Read John 10:22–42.
Jesus did many signs and works in the Gospel of John, and in the other Gospels too. Reflect:
- What are the works of Jesus in the Gospel of John? What are his works in other Gospels?
- Where do you see these same works of Jesus in our world today?
- Where is Jesus at work in your life? In the lives of others?
With Your Household:
- List as many miracles of Jesus as you can (hint: there are 37!). Which one helps you see that Jesus came from God?
- List the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Which one can you work on this week so that others may see God in your life?
John 10:1–21: Listening to the Shepherd
Learning the Voice of Jesus
Spend five minutes once a day in stillness and silence. Set a timer so that you do not feel the need to look at the time every ten seconds. Turn off your phone notifications so that you are not distracted.
It can be helpful to turn a portion of Scripture in your mind as an anchoring point, something like this verse: “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” (John 10:14)
Spend time with these words, not analyzing them, but resting in them. Let these words draw you back into stillness with Jesus when your mind starts to drift. If you hear something from Jesus, write it down or tell someone about it.
John 9:1-41: What Do I Know?
Proverbs 16:9 says, “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.”
Take time to write down or talk through some of your hopes and expectations for the coming New Year. Do this without self-judgement, so you can be as honest as possible. What makes your list? Which idea is harder to come up with, hopes or expectations?
Read through Psalm 139 slowly, thoughtfully. Soak up the idea that God has already walked the path of the coming year, fully knowing what remains a complete mystery to us. Lift your hopes and expectations to God in prayer, asking him to receive them. Can you anticipate God giving you feedback, in scripture, in music, through a friend, in prayer? What is God confirming? What is he changing?
Spend time in worship, asking God to help you see where he found you and met you in each moment of this past year.
Home Activity
Try the optical illusion trick below with a paper towel roll, then take a moment to talk to God and ask him what he wants you to see that you have not been seeing or need to see differently.
Optical Illusion link: https://www.instructables.com/Hole-in-Your-Hand-Illusion/
John 8:1-20: Discerning Joy
Read or listen to John 8:1-20.
On Sunday, Katelyn talked about examining our lives in preparation for Christmas. What is one thing that you can let go of this Christmas season to experience more joy? What is one thing that you want to keep in your traditions because it brings you joy?
John 7:1-51: The Rise of Peace
Day 1: Read Matthew 14:22-33 (the story of Peter walking on water to meet Jesus).
As you sit in the story, consider that it was the chaos of the storm that took Peter’s eyes off of Jesus, and this is when he began to sink. During this Christmas season, we need rest, we need peace. But the frantic pace of Canadian Christmas rages around us, pulling and pushing, bullying us into frenetic busyness. What distracts you from finding the calm peacefulness of Jesus’ presence?
In prayer, ask God to help you be honest with yourself and him about what is making you so busy that you miss his peace.
Day 2: Read Psalm 1.
The idyllic scene of a tree growing by a burbling stream is the perfect image of peacefulness. A tree that has its roots sunk deep by a stream of living water cannot hustle and bustle. It’s just. . . trees.
Remember that in contrast to the chaos of commercial Christmas, Jesus offers an alternative – the peaceful rising flow of stillness with him. This stillness is true living! Yesterday, we prayed for God to lift the stress of distractions. Today, ask God to fill that time with stillness. What are you usually doing when you feel that you see God the clearest? Is it listening to music? Reading a good novel? Watching a fire in a fireplace? Sharing a hot cup of tea with a friend or family member?
Be a tree. Find that place of stillness with God that works for you, and root down deep. Find a way to be there for a period of time each day.
Home Activity
In Sunday school, we took a moment to enjoy hot chocolate to represent drinking living water. This week, make time to sit and sip a hot drink.
Now look at your week and see where you can fit in 10 minutes to sit and drink in Jesus by reading Scripture, talking to God, or just being still and listening. Try to find time for this on more than one day and make it into a habit.
John 6:25-71: The (Ginger)Bread of Life
Read or listen to John 6:25-71.
Do you currently find yourself in a time of abundance? Do you find yourself in a time of great need? Do you find yourself in a time of . . . both?
If you could ask God for any one solution, what would it be? (By the way – God loves it when we ask: just see Luke 18:1-8).
When has God been faithful in the past, either to you or to others?
What part of God’s character are you most grateful for today? Express gratitude to God for this in worship and prayer.
Home Activity
What is one thing that is filling your time but not filling you? Examples: Media, food, hobbies, relationships, etc. How can you do 5-10 minutes less of that and 5-10 minutes more time with Jesus?
Memorize and say often: “I am the bread of Life.” (John 6:48)
More Resources
The theme of Wilderness is found throughout the Bible. Watch this video by the Bible Project to hear more about what the wilderness in Biblical text is, and God’s presence within it.
John 6:1-24: Filled to the Brim
Read or listen to John 6:1-24.
John records two more miracles of Jesus in this passage – the feeding of the five thousand and walking on water. He demonstrates again that he is no less than the God of creation who sustains and fills his earth with good things.
Where have you seen God at work this week? How is he filling your life with good things? Are you empty enough to receive it?
A Prayer for Opening Ourselves to God
Our Father in heaven,
may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
Give us today the food we need,
and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one.
(Matt. 6:9-13, NLT)
Home Activity
Wash out a dirty container, then fill it to overflowing with a favourite snack. Discuss these questions with your household or friends: How is baptism like washing a dirty dish? What does God want to fill us with?
John 5:16-47: One God and Five Witnesses
Read John 5:16-47 and Deuteronomy 6:4-5.
This is a challenging passage! Try reading or listening to it aloud. Try listening to different versions. What stands out to you?
This week, Katelyn mentioned the Four-Legged Stool of Faith (also known as the Wesleyan Quadrilateral), which has four legs that uphold our faith:
- Scripture
- Experience
- Reason
- Traditions & Practices
Which of these legs are most familiar and comfortable to you? Which leg could use more attention as you seek to grow in faith and love?
A Prayer for Finding God in All Things
Walk with me, Creator, in the cool of today. Point out to me those things you’ve made for my pleasure and my nourishment. Show me the people you are inviting me to know, to care for, and to defend. Draw my attention to the subtle hints of your beauty, your glory, and your power. As I wander, fill me with wonder and worship at your presence. Amen. https://reclaimtoday.org/a-prayer-for-finding-god-in-all-things/
Home Activity
Try saying the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) once per day as a household or to a friend. It could be in the morning, at a meal, or right before bed. Share ways that you see, hear or know that Jesus is who John says he is.
More Resources
Watch this one-minute video to learn more about the Shema and what it means to listen to God.
John 5:1-15: "Do You Want to Get Well?"
Read the story of the sick man being healed in John 5:1-15. In Sunday’s sermon, Mark mentioned three statements that could be taken humorously:
- “Do you want to get well?”
- “It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat.”
- “Stop sinning, or something worse may happen to you.”
Do any other interactions in this passage of Scripture strike you as peculiar?
It is easy for us to forget when God has been good or when God intervenes. What habits do you find helpful to “remember” God’s goodness, grace and care? What is a new habit that you could try daily for this week that helps you to remember? Are there any habits you could try this upcoming Advent season that help you to remember the goodness and intervention of God?
Group Activity
Memorize John 5:8: Then Jesus said, “Get up, pick up your mat and walk.”
While sitting at the table for a meal, everyone takes a turn saying one word at a time. Keep going around until you have the verse memorized.
Think about: What is God asking you to do differently?
More Resources
Watch this one-minute video on why ‘remember’ means so much in the Bible.
John 4:43-54: Once is Chance, Twice is Coincidence?
Read the story of Jesus with the royal official once more. Put yourself in the official’s shoes, and hear Jesus make the audacious claim that you should, “Go. Your son will be well.” What is it like to turn away and leave Jesus? What questions fill your mind?
The next day, you recognize a group of people coming towards you on the road. They stop and tell you that your son recovered at the same time that Jesus said he would be healed. Now, what questions fill your mind? What do you feel?
Now read the story of Thomas in John 20:24-29. There, Jesus says that those who are able to believe without seeing are blessed. Where do you see the subtle signs of God’s handiwork around you?
Share these observations with a friend or a family member. Where do you need to see God’s handiwork? Can you pray for God to hold your worries and concerns, and give you trust in him until he resolves them?
John 4:1-42: "He Told Me Everything I Ever Did"
Video Resource
Click here for an additional short video on what the Bible means when it talks about Jesus as the well of living water.
John 3:1-36: Born From Above
This week, we are contemplating the presence of Jesus with us in every light and dark moment. Please see the discussion questions, podcast resource, and prayer for your time with God.
Home Activity
Make a card that hangs from your rearview mirror that says “Jesus is the Way” to remind you each time you get in the car that following Jesus will mean you are always in the light, no matter how dark your circumstances are, you are always moving toward the light because he is guiding you. Click on the maze to print or pick up a card from Angela!
John 2:13-25: The House Doesn't Always Win
This week, we are joining Jesus in cleaning out our houses! That is, our spiritual houses – our very hearts and lives. Here you’ll find Scriptures to meditate on as you work through the ‘rooms’ of your life and bring the clutter to Jesus.
John 2:1-12: Why Do You Involve Me?
This week, we are identifying God’s active movement in our world today! Jesus involved himself in ordinary things at the wedding at Cana; how is he involving himself in your life?
More resources:
Watch this stop-motion Lego portrayal of the sign of Jesus at Cana. What does the animated version of the story highlight for you? What seems different from the account in John 1:1-12?
John 1:35-51: Moving Toward Jesus
This week, we are reflecting on what it means to follow Jesus as he is on the move in our world. Take some time to discuss these questions with your household!
More resources:
For more on social sets, read this blog post by Pastor Katelyn: Social Set Theory: Bounded and Centred Sets
John 1:19-37: Witnessing God
Take this week to reflect on John the Baptist, the Witness. Use these discussion and reflection prompts to grow in faith as a household.
More resources:
Lay It All Down by Will Reagan and United Pursuit
John 1:1-18: God Among Us
Take this week to reflect on Jesus, God Among Us. Use these discussion and reflection prompts to grow in faith as a household.
More resources:
The Gospel of John Summary by the Bible Project
Prayer
We learn how to pray from the words of Scripture and the wise followers of Jesus who have gone before us. Here is a prayer from St. Patrick.