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Lent day 18
Saturday
Theme: Speak openly
Scripture
John 7:1-13
Jesus decided to leave Judea and to start going through Galilee because the Jewish leaders of the people wanted to kill him. It was almost time for the Festival of Shelters, and Jesus' brothers said to him, “Why don’t you go to Judea? Then your disciples can see what you are doing. No one does anything in secret, if they want others to know about them. So let the world know what you are doing!” Even Jesus' own brothers had not yet become his followers.
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Jesus answered, “My time hasn’t yet come, but your time is always here. The people of this world cannot hate you. They hate me, because I tell them that they do evil things. Go on to the festival. My time hasn’t yet come, and I am not going.” Jesus said this and stayed on in Galilee.
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After Jesus' brothers had gone to the festival, he went secretly, without telling anyone.
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During the festival the Jewish leaders looked for Jesus and asked, “Where is he?” The crowds even got into an argument about him. Some were saying, “Jesus is a good man,” while others were saying, “He is lying to everyone.” But the people were afraid of their leaders, and none of them talked in public about him.
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Reflection prompts
- What prevents you from speaking openly?
- What would it look like to be empathetic to your neighbor, affirming of all, and still authentic to yourself when you speak?
Prayer
Holy God, there are all sorts of narratives about what it means to be a Christian. I am quick to defend myself, but am I quick to defend you? Do not let me be silent, allowing false truth to hang in the air. Let me be one who speaks openly of your love for all, and how your love has changed my life. Amen. - Prayer by Rev. Sarah Are | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org
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Contact
St Mary by the Sea
PO Box 89-082, Torbay, Auckland, 0742 168 Deep Creek Rd, Torbay, Auckland, 0630
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