The Gospel of John
Meditations for Lent
Forty self-guided meditations for Lent in John 1-7.
At the end of each chapter is a ten-minute video on that chapter.
Suggestions:
Try to give yourself a clear ten minutes a day (starting from the time you are really settled.)
Before your meditation, pray this prayer:
Lord, I want to
See you more clearly,
Love you more dearly,
Follow you more nearly,
Day by day
Look at the question/s and write a sentence or two about what was meaningful to you. If you don't like the question, replace it with "What does this passage mean to me?"
Turn what you have written into a prayer.
At the end of the week, listen to Andy's video.
Advice- if you fall behind, don't try to catch up, simply continue with the meditation for that day
Note: There are only 6 Studies a week because Sundays in lent are for rest and worship.
VIdeo : "Why Lent?"
Eight minutes at George Methodist Church, Including my favourite Methodist/Baptist Joke!
John 1
Day 1 – 22 Feb - John 1: 1-8
How would it change our lives if Jesus were not fully God and fully man?
Day 2 – 23 Feb – John 1:9-18
Imagine you had never heard of Jesus before and then read this passage. What would you feel/think?
Day 3 – 24 Feb – John 1:19-28
What do you think of John's understanding of who he is? How does it compare with your understanding of who you are?
Day 4 – 25 Feb – John 1:29-34
As far as we know, John the Baptist only ever saw Jesus on two successive days (v29 & v35). Put yourself in John’s place. Considering his life up to this point, and afterwards, what would you have felt on these two days?
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26 February is a Sunday - a day for rest and worship
Day 5– 27 Feb – John 1:35-42
Jesus asks Andrew and his friend, “What do you want?” Bear in mind that Jesus could give them anything, what do you think of their reply? What answer would you give?
Day 6– 28 Feb – John 1:43-51
How would you feel if Jesus said, “Here is one in whom there is no deceit”?
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John 2
Day 7 – 1 Mar - John 2:1-11
This seems such an “unimportant” miracle. Why do you think Jesus performed it?
Day 8 – 2 Mar – John 2:12-17
The cleansing of the temple and the water into wine are such different stories: One is at the very beginning of Jesus' ministry, the other at the very end; one is intensely private; the other intensely public; one is full of joy, the other full of anger; one is "unimportant", the other carries huge implications. Can you think why John has put them together? Are there aspects of Jesus'character common to both?
Day 9 – 3 Mar – John 2:18-25
What aspects of Jesus’ character are revealed here? What do they make you feel about him?
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Now watch Video #2 - "Wine and Whips" (Click here)
John 3
Day 10 - 4 Mar – John 3:1-8
Why do you think Nicodemus came to Jesus by night? Do you identify with him in any way?
What does the phrase “Born again” suggest to you?
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5 March is a Sunday - a day for rest and worship
Day 11 - 6 Mar – John 3:9-15 - "Must."
Jesus doesn’t say “must” very often. But the word occurs three times in this chapter (v7, 14 & 30). What does each of them say to us about our walk with Jesus?
Day 12– 7 Mar – John 3:16-21 - In the sight of God."
The word 'Believe' is central to John's Gospel (three time in this section.) Why is belief so important?
What difference would it make if I were aware all the time that I am in the sight of God? How can I become more conscious of God's presence?
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Day 13 - 8 Mar - John 3:22-30 - "I must become less."
John accepts his servant role so well. How did he manage it when we find it so difficult?
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Day 14 - 9 Mar – John 3:31-36 - The one who comes from above.
"No-one receives his testimony"(v32). Why do you think so few people receive Christ?
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Now watch Video #3 - "Seeker in the night" (Click here)
John 4
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Day 15 - 10 Mar – John 4:1-6 - Jesus moves to Sychar.
Jesus' move from Judea and to Sychar is prompted by three people: John the Baptist, the Pharisees, and Jesus. What do you think motivated each of them? Which do you see most in yourself?
Click here for explanation and a map.
Day 16 - 11 Mar – John 4:7-15 - The woman at the well.
In what ways can you tell that this woman wasn’t well? (Jesus’ offer of living water is a clue.)
In what ways was this woman unacceptable? How is my attitude to people different to or “less” than me?
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12 March is a Sunday - a day for rest and worship
Day 17 - 13 Mar – John 4:16-26 - "You have five husbands."
How would you feel if someone gave you a word of knowledge like this?
What do you think it's like to worship God in spirit and in truth?
Click here for Kristyn Getty singing "He will hold me fast."
Day 18 - 14 Mar – John 4:27-38
Do you think that doing God's will can literally replace food and drink?
How is v35-38 related to v34?
Day 19 - 15 Mar - John 4:39-45 - Many believe.
The woman, the other Samaritans, and the royal official (v46-54) each believed for different reasons.
Looking back on your own life, what things strengthened your belief in Jesus?
Click here for CityAlight singing "Shepherd"
Click here for explanation of who the Samaritans were.
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Day 20 - 16 Mar – John 4: 46-54 - Jesus'second miracle
Notice that Jesus' first two miracles both took place in Cana.
What would you say to a someone who said, “I’d believe in Jesus if he did a miracle right in front of me?”
In what circumstances in your life do you find it hard to believe that God could be at work? How does this story encourage you?
Click here for "Thousand Hallelujahs" Brooke Lighterwood
Now watch Video #4 - "The Woman who wasn't Well" (Click here)
John 5 - Trouble at the Colonnades.
Questions by Theo Bohlman
Day 21 - 17 Mar – John 5:1-9
Does the invalid ask for healing?
Why do you think Jesus asked him, ”Do you want to be well?”
Click here for Hillsong - "My Living Hope"
Day 22 - 18 Mar – John 5:10-17
Why do you think the Jewish leaders want to persecute Jesus ?
What do you perceive about the character of the man who was healed?
Click here for Tim Hughes -"Beautiful One"
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19 March is a Sunday - a day for rest and worship
Click here for Andre Rieu -"Amazing Grace"
Day 23- 20 Mar – John 5:18-29
Who will come to judge the living and the dead?
What claims to divinity does Jesus make here?
What do you see the Father doing right now? (v19)
Click here for CityAlight - "Good and Gracious King"
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Day 24 - 21 Mar – John 5:30-47
How could the Jewish leaders have had Eternal life?
This is a very confrontational passage, but in it Jesus is calling us to do a number of positive things. What are they?
Click here for Kristyn Getty - "Your eye is on the sparrow"
Now watch Video #5 - "Trouble at the Colonnades." (Click Here)
John 6 - Bread and Water
Questions by Carol Bohlman
As we enter the last two weeks of Lent it may be good to take more time than we have been doing - take full advantage of these two precious weeks. There will be more questions, and more videos. You will probably want to select questions - look for the ones that "connect" for you. Click here for a stimulating article from a contemplative priest on how to read and reflect on Scripture.
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Day 25 - 22 Mar - John 6:1-9 - "Where shall we get bread?"
Only in John’s gospel does Jesus raise the problem of a hungry crowd. He asks Philip what can be done - in order to test him (in The Message this reads ‘in order to stretch his faith’). Jesus saw the big picture; he knew what he planned to do, and why. He placed Philip, and presumably the other disciples, in the awkward position of uncertainty. Philip was anxious; Andrew looked for some practical way to solve the problem.
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If you are facing a seemingly intractable problem, are you responding like Philip? Like Andrew? How can we trust that Jesus "knew what he would do"?
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This story shows clearly the striking disproportion between existing need and available resources. We see this problem ourselves daily in varying degrees. Can we act with Andrew’s faith, and simply offer the loaves and fishes and then wait for Jesus to take things further? What “loaves and fishes” do I have to offer?
Click here for explanation of three types of bread
Click here for Emmaus - "We are yours"
Day 26 - 23 Mar – John 6:10-15 - "Jesus took the loaves."
In this picture we see the lavish abundance of grace characteristic of God’s economy. He provides way more than ‘just enough’. During this Lent journey can we reflect on ways God has provided way more than just enough for us, too?
The people see Jesus as fulfilling the prediction of being sent a ‘Prophet like Moses’ (Deut 18, 15, 18). What kind of prophet were the people expecting? Did Jesus meet their expectations? Does Jesus meet our expectations, or do we sometimes feel he should have responded differently?
Click here for Hillsong "Amazing Love"
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Day 27 - 24 Mar – John 6:16-24 - Jesus had not yet joined them.
After hard rowing in the rough sea and strong wind, the disciples are glad to take Jesus into their boat (once they’ve recognised him). John draws our attention to yet another miracle by the word ‘immediately’: ‘immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going’. What is John wanting us to understand?
What do you do when you feel that Jesus "has not yet joined you"?
Click here for Don Francisco "I'll never let go of your hand"
Now watch Video #6 - John 6:1-24 (Click here)
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Day 28 - 25 Mar – John 6:25-32 - "The work of God."
Why does Jesus refer to himself as the ‘Son of Man’? (Read Dan 7:13 – 14).
In what way has God authenticated (set his seal) on Jesus?
Our ‘work’ is to believe in Jesus, whom God has sent. What do I mean when I say ‘I believe in Jesus’?
Click here for "I Know whom I have believed" Grace community Church
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26 March is a Sunday - a day for rest and worship
Click here for Billy Graham choir - "O for a thousand tongues"
Day 29 - 27 Mar – John 6:33-40 - "I AM."
In Ex 3:14 we read God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’” In this passage Jesus makes the first of several “I am” statements that appear in John’s gospel: "I am the bread of life”. Reflect for a moment on all the images that come to mind when you think of bread. Remember the abundance of the bread in the miracle earlier in this chapter. In what way do these images reflect God’s love and grace in sending Jesus?
Click here for Casting Crowns "Who am I?"
Day 30 - 28 Mar – John 6:41-51 - "Stop grumbling."
Jesus twice tell them to stop grumbling. What do I grumble about?
Looking back through the lens of the cross we can understand what Jesus means when he offers his body as the living bread. What can I do in this Lent period to take communion in a particularly mindful way?
Click here for Brooke Ligterwood - "Communion"
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Day 31 - 29 Mar - John 6:52-59 - "Eat my flesh."
To someone who has never heard of Jesus, or known anything about typical Christian practice, the idea that we are to feed on Jesus’ flesh and drink his blood sounds uncomfortably cannibalistic. How would you explain this passage to that person?
Click here for "All I once held dear" Robin Mark
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Day 32 - 30 – John 6:60-71
Many disciples turned back and no longer journeyed with Jesus. G K Chesterton said “Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and not tried.” What is our responsibility to those we know who have found Christianity too difficult, or too incomprehensible? Chesterton also said “The problem of disbelieving in God is not that a man ends up believing nothing. Alas, it is much worse. He ends up believing anything.” How can you or your small group help people to develop a solid foundation, that will help those to continue the journey?
Click here for "Doxology"(Praise the Father) Worship Circle
Now watch Video #7 - John 6:35-71 (Click here)
Click here for "Lectio Divina" - Reading and songs from John 6:35-71
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John 7
Questions by Helen Muller
Day 33 - 31 Mar – John 7:1-13
Jesus used the Festival of Tabernacles to reveal his true identity. It was the culmination of his life’s work. He knew
who he was and did not need fame and affirmation of others. What an inspiration to us - know thyself.
Who are you?
Can you think of someone who knows who they are and who inspires you?
Have you been an unbelieving ‘brother,' missing the gift of God’s presence because you undervalued the bearer?
This has significant implications for those of us who are parents - how do we help our children come to know themselves and develop a quiet confidence so that they can manage the pressures, for example, of social media?
Click here for description and pictures of the Feast of Tabernacles.
Click here for "His name is Jesus" – Jeremy Riddle
Day 34 - 1 April – John 7:14-24
The Pharisees just didn’t grasp that becoming a believer wasn’t through intellect, or reason, or a matter of opinion, or ritual. It’s an issue of the heart. John emphasises that it is by living in the light, by doing the will of God, that we come to knowing. Although we may have a particular time in mind when we committed our life to Christ, being a disciple is a lifelong process of growth and becoming.
Reflect on these thoughts.
Click here for a stimulating article from a contemplative priest on how to read and reflect on Scripture
Can you recall a moment when you felt touched by God? How does it feel to sing hymns?
Click here for Gaither "He touched me"
2 April - Palm Sunday - a day for rest and praise
Click here for "Hosanna" - Chet Valley
Day 35 - 3 April – John 7:25-36
We are reminded of God’s authority in our universe(v28). He appoints the time. (v30). He is in charge.
We can’t manipulate or persuade him.
So, what is the role of prayer? What do you think happens when you pray?
And, the complex question we are often asked to defend: Why then all the suffering in the world?
As you reflect on these questions, how might the following quotation of Martin Luther King help you? "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it tends toward justice."
Click here for Hillsong "I See the King of Glory"
To read an answer by Andy to the problem of suffering, Click here.
Day 36 - 4 April – John 7:37-52
We now arrive at the last and final day of the Feast of Tabernacles. Here is our invitation to drink…..to believe…and discover that the tabernacle, the tent, is in our own hearts - the place where God’s spirit will dwell. Because of the first Easter we know this to be true. We know this at a deep level of our being.
But imagine how puzzling and distressing Jesus’s words must have been to the disciples at that time.
What is our deepest thirst? To be reunited with God? Reassurance about death? To be a source of
ministry to others?
Because Jesus knew who he was, he could speak with a note of authority. Nicodemus first came to see Jesus in the dark and here he is speaking openly with a new note of confidence that comes through time and through grace - God’s free, unmerited, favour. Did people allow Nicodemus to be new, I wonder? The miracle of Lazarus was made possible partly because the community rolled the stone away and allowed him new life.
Can you think of times where you can identify with Nicodemus, and have been given a second chance?
And can you think of times you have been called to 'roll the stone away' to give someone else new life?
If you haven't read Andy's experience in Jerusalem on the last day of the feast, click here.
Click here for Shadow Mountain "Is He Worthy?"
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Now watch Video #8 - Jesus' Greatest Statement
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Day 37 - 5 April – John 18:1-11
"It's finally happened.
The chief priests, the scribes and the Pharisees have Jesus under arrest and in their grasp.
This holy week Jesus confronts ..."
Click here to read the rest of this meditation
Click here for "Thank you for the Cross"
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Day 38 - Maundy Thursday – John 18:15-27
Reading this narrative, I’m struck by Peter’s contrasting needs. This contrast is quite striking: Peter’s
physical comfort (standing close to the fire to keep warm), and Peter’s fear (trying to make sure no
one assumed he was close to Jesus). I’m picturing myself in that situation – feeling really afraid of
the consequences of knowing Jesus, feeling cold and needing the warmth of the fire. How many
times have I chosen comfort – in the sense of avoiding awkward questions, wanting to be part of the
in crowd – and thereby distancing myself from Jesus? Will I hide in the shadows where it’s warm and
comfortable, or will I stand boldly in the open and acknowledge Jesus? How do I overcome my fear
of speaking up for Jesus?
Click here for Kristyn Getty "When I Survey"
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Day 39 - Good Friday – John 19:16-30
For your meditation today, click below to listen to three readings of this passage.
Allow the enormity of the words to wash over you.
After the readings, you will hear the song "King of Kings" - Hillsong
Click here for a Lectio Divina - readings and a song a Good Friday
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Day 40 - Easter Saturday – John 19:31-42
You might like to try an imaginative meditation on this passage.
Click here for 'How to do Imaginative Meditation."
Click here for Hillsong "I cast my mind to Calvary"
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Easter Sunday
Click for Don Francisco - "He's Alive!"
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A Last word:
I hope you've gained from these meditations for Lent.
I'm continuing my talks through the Gospel of John - one or two per chapter.
Ideal for individual or group studies – questions, maps charts included.
Why not continue with me ?
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