GETTING READY FOR THE WEEK
SUNDAY, MARCH 23
READING: MATTHEW 7:13-14 & JOHN 10:1-16
Throughout the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus has been casting a vision for the Kingdom of Heaven and what its citizens will look like as they engage the brokenness of the world. It’s been both beautiful and challenging, inspiring and daunting. As he begins to round the final corner of His message, Jesus acknowledges the paradox He’s been unraveling for His listeners and the question we’re left with: will we choose His Kingdom or our own? This week we’re going to unpack that invitation from Matthew 7:13-14.
In addition, we’re going to use John 10:1-16 and a spiritual practice called Lectio Divina to posture our hearts and truly hear what He’s asking of us.
What is Lectio Divina? Here’s a helpful description from Soul Shepherding’s article How to do Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina is a spiritual discipline of meditation on Scripture in which you slowly and prayerfully read and re-read a text in order to listen and apply God’s word to your life. It’s an ancient monastic practice that is used by many Christians today…
The goal is not intellectual knowledge but conversational intimacy with God. In other words, you’re not seeking information as much as formation — you’re learning to apply the historical and inspired text to the personal text of your life today.
As we walk into this week together let’s picture Jesus in this moment in his message. By now we’re becoming familiar with His character. He’s not giving us an ultimatum or bullying us into his way or the highway. Close your eyes and picture Him looking back at you with His questions: “will you follow ME into the Kingdom of GOD?” Arm outstretched, hand open to you. “Are you ready? Do you trust ME? You know you can’t do it alone, but could we do it together?”
In addition, we’re going to use John 10:1-16 and a spiritual practice called Lectio Divina to posture our hearts and truly hear what He’s asking of us.
What is Lectio Divina? Here’s a helpful description from Soul Shepherding’s article How to do Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina is a spiritual discipline of meditation on Scripture in which you slowly and prayerfully read and re-read a text in order to listen and apply God’s word to your life. It’s an ancient monastic practice that is used by many Christians today…
The goal is not intellectual knowledge but conversational intimacy with God. In other words, you’re not seeking information as much as formation — you’re learning to apply the historical and inspired text to the personal text of your life today.
As we walk into this week together let’s picture Jesus in this moment in his message. By now we’re becoming familiar with His character. He’s not giving us an ultimatum or bullying us into his way or the highway. Close your eyes and picture Him looking back at you with His questions: “will you follow ME into the Kingdom of GOD?” Arm outstretched, hand open to you. “Are you ready? Do you trust ME? You know you can’t do it alone, but could we do it together?”
RESOURCES
Apps for Daily Practice: The Pause App & Lectio365
Video: Ancient Jewish Meditation Literature by Bible Project
Article: How to do Lectio Divina by Soul Shepherding
Podcast: Jan Johnson - Scripture Meditation by Life with God: A Renovare Podcast
Podcast: The Narrow and Wide Gates by Bible Project
Deeper Study and/or Group Study: The Lectio Course by 24-7 Prayer
Video: Ancient Jewish Meditation Literature by Bible Project
Article: How to do Lectio Divina by Soul Shepherding
Podcast: Jan Johnson - Scripture Meditation by Life with God: A Renovare Podcast
Podcast: The Narrow and Wide Gates by Bible Project
Deeper Study and/or Group Study: The Lectio Course by 24-7 Prayer
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