“So That You May Believe” is our Lenten theme. It comes from John 20:30-31 where John clearly tells his readers the purpose for his recording of the account of Jesus. Along the way John records “signs” which help the readers understand who Jesus is. Not unlike signs today. Road signs give us a glimpse of what is ahead. They also guide us on how to proceed. Like the trackers of earlier days across the prairies and mountain passes, animal signs alerted the hearty hunters and pioneers where there might be food or danger. They also left tracks to follow by those who came after them. The Apostle John packs a lot of emphasis, into the signs of Jesus.

During this Lenten journey we will also be following and investigating the “signs” to learn more about Jesus and grow in understanding and believing in Him.

Each Wednesday Lenten service will focus on one of the “signs”. The week leading up to the Wednesday worship will be guided by the following Lenten devotional reading with video clips, prayers, and activities. You will find something for all ages, household shapes, and sizes. A unique contribution to this season’s congregational devotional walk is the opportunity to try Visual Faith each week. See Visual Faith Guidelines.

The prayer is that we all will continue to grow in the Lord and with one another members and constituents of “St. John” Lutheran Church.

The typical format includes 1-3 readings each week. The purpose around the weekly “signs”. A list of resources should you do some or all of the activities. Visual Faith Guidelines and sheets of illustration to color, cut out, apply in your Bible. Prayer suggestions.

Visual Faith Guidelines

A Unique addition to these weekly Lenten home devotions is the practice of visual faith art work. Here are some guidelines to help you get started. Supplies Needed: . graphic provided/ or be creative and draw your own . Glue stick . Washi tape (a less permanent alternative to glue) . Scissors . You choose (Colored pencils, colors, gel pens, watercolors, chalk, etc.)

Ideas or ways to use the graphics provided each week: 1. Use the thin margins of your Bible. If your Bible doesn’t have margins you can use them by adding with washi tape as a “Tip in” or “Tip out” https://youtu.be/SagvSjkcEjg

2. Color the bookmark graphic (provided), cut out, and glue to a card stock weight paper to make a bookmark. Keep for yourself or give to a friend.

3. The larger graphic (provided) can be used to take sermon notes or write key take-away phrases that you want to remember. Color and add as an insert in your Bible. Or you can start a journal by gluing onto a page in any notebook. I call these “Junk Journals” as it gives a place for paper that might otherwise end up in the trash. You can make it a mixed media by using other paper and writing prayers etc. (Hint: I have purchased old books from Et Ce- tera downtown and pasted these type images right on top of the page. It is a cheap note- book.

4. Color and simply put on your refrigerator as a reminder of the week’s message.

If you have questions, or would like to know more about Visual Faith, feel free to send me an email, text, or call. Susan Biel 402-310-1849 [email protected]

Lenten Week #1

Week: February 10-17

Text for this week: John 2:1-11

Sign of the Week activity: Jesus Changes Water Into Wine

Participants: Households or individuals of all ages

Purpose: That this Word of God, the miracle of Jesus turning water into wine, will deepen our faith in Jesus Christ through His surprising gifts.

Resources: A Bible, Internet access (computer, smart phone, iPad, etc.)

Activity Plan:

Read John 2:1-11 “On the third day”, what does this phrase remind you of? Do you think John wants his readers to remember that Jesus resurrected “on the third day”? What might be the connection to this sign and Jesus’ resurrection? Six stone water jars, each holding 20-30 gallons. Wow! That’s a lot of wine. And they already drank what was provided. Jesus is very generous with what He has to give! Jesus loves a good party, a wedding, and the best is yet to come. What might that make you think about?

A household leader or child leads a prayer for Christ’s presence and guidance during these 40 days of Lent, such as: “Dear Lord, during this Season of Lent, we ask that you strengthen our faith in your great gift, your death on a cross and resur- rection from the grave, which bring us life, new life without end. In your name, we pray. Amen.”

A member of the household offers comments about a wedding celebration, such as: - What I remember about my or a relative’s or friend’s wedding celebration - Who was present at the celebration - What the hosts served during the celebration

A wedding celebration was the place where Jesus performed His first miracle, turn- ing water into wine. (In Jesus’ day, two parts of wine were mixed with three parts of water.)

- Describe what happened during this wedding celebration. - What was the big surprise?

“On the third day”, what does this phrase remind you of? Do you think John wants his readers to remember that Jesus resurrected “on the third day”? What might be the connection to this sign and Jesus’ resurrection? Six stone water jars, each holding 20-30 gallons. Wow! That’s a lot of wine. And they already drank what was provided. Jesus is very generous with what He has to give! Jesus loves a good party, a wedding, and the best is yet to come. What might that make you think about?

Watch a video: (For younger participants) https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=7plJa_qnVug&list=PL5aPdmniG3y_n7hXEKTV4qQnIeCep6Ws&index=36

Who was present at this wedding celebration? What was the big surprise of the wedding celebration? What is a surprise that Jesus as Savior brings to us today?

(For older participants) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwlh-fDsvS0

What was the problem that came to Mary’s attention? What was the surprise that “saved the day” in this wedding celebration? What is the new wine that brings life and joy to us today?

(For older participants) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBvjGKr1LBc

What are empty jugs that lead people today to search for answers? Why is wine a great symbol for the generosity of new life in Christ? What is one surprising gift of faith in Jesus Christ in your life?

Visual Faith: Use the attached graphics or create your own to add a visual expression to your faith. Review the Visual Faith Graphics from the introduction page for more guidelines.

Prayers by members of the household can focus on:

- Thanking God for one faith surprise that fills an empty jug in one’s life; - Expressing gratitude for the surprising gifts that faith in Christ inspires; - Naming one person with whom one can share this surprise. Or pray: “Lord Jesus Christ, you brought surprise and joy to a wedding with good wine to make hearts glad. Fill our hearts with your joy and gladness that we may re- joice with you, the Groom of the Bride, your church. Amen.” Today, tomorrow, let’s live as God’s surprised people!

Connection to Lenten Worship: What might the sign point to or tell us about Jesus? What does the Pastor say in the sermon about this sign for us today?

Lenten Week #2

Week: Feb. 18-24

Texts to read and consider for this week: John 2:12-25, 3:1-36, 4:1-54.

Sign of the Week: John 4:46-54 The Healing of the Official’s Son

Participants: Households or individuals of all ages.

Purpose: To observe the healing promises of Jesus which inspire faith.

Resources: A Bible, Internet access (computer, smart phone, iPad, etc.), boiling pot, carrot, egg, cup, coffee or tea bag.

Activity Plan: A household leader or individual leads a prayer for the presence and guidance of Christ during this time of meditating on His healing work in our lives.

Read John 4:46-54. Notice that Jesus is back in Cana. What do you remember about Cana (John 2:1 -11)? Capernaum is about 20 miles from Cana. About the distance from Seward to Lin- coln. What is an important result of this sign (verse 53)?

Watch a video; (For younger participants) Jesus Heals an Official’s son (2:24). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_z6fBRsPKRQ

- Why did the official come to Jesus? - What did Jesus say to the official? - How did the official respond to Jesus? - Why do we trust the promises of Jesus?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVbOEvy8HVA

(For older participants) Questions for reflection and discussion: - What were some of the feelings of the official when he approached Jesus? - When have you experienced similar feelings? - How might sicknesses or other difficulties challenge one’s faith? - What does Jesus offer when one’s faith is challenged?

Note ~ When Luther endured difficulties, challenges, and crises, he thanked the devil at times for making him a “pretty good theologian”. He learned that finding himself in boiling waters drove Him into the arms of Jesus. It was then that Jesus would heal and strengthen him.

To illustrate what can happen when God works through difficulties in our lives, and when we trust God’s promise to be with us, consider the following activity (an adult should lead this activity). Boil a pot of water (1/2 gallon at least). Poor a cup of water into a cup with a tea bag or over a coffee filter with ground coffee in it. Put a carrot and an egg in the water. Wait about 7 minutes and remover the egg. Let it cool. After 11 minutes remover the carrot. Peal the hardboiled egg. Notice ~ the carrot has gone soft and limp from the boiling water. The egg has gotten hard. - What does this say about how the boiling water of problems can impact one’s faith? - Also notice how the boiling water released the soothing aroma of a calming drink.

This activity reminds us of an important message in Jesus’ miracle of healing the official’s son: When we find ourselves in life’s boiling water of a crisis, His promise to

save us from the boiling waters of sin and death through His death and resurrection moves us to turn to Him as the One who heals.

Share when you have seen this happening in your or another person’s life.

Visual Faith: Use the attached graphics or create your own to add a visual expression to your faith. Review the Visual Faith Graphics from the introduction page for more guidelines.

Prayer by members of the household or an individual for: - Jesus’ healing and strength in the midst of difficulties and crises - A relative, friend, or neighbor who is experiencing a challenge or crisis - A growing faith that trusts Jesus in times of challenges and crises

Or, pray: “Lord Jesus Christ, you healed the son of the official who came to you at Cana in a time of crisis. Through the healing miracle of your love for the official and his son, a sign that points to the source of healing for all, the cross of Calvary, grant us strength to cope with the issues and challenges in our lives. In your Name, we pray. Amen.

Connection to Lenten Worship: What might the sign point to or tell us about Jesus? What does the Pastor say in the sermon about this sign for us today?

Lenten Week #3

Week: February 25 – March 3

Texts to read and consider for this week: John 5: 1-30, 5:31-47.

Sign of the Week: John 5: 1-15 Jesus Heals a Paralytic Man

Participants: Households or individuals of all ages

Purpose: That Christ’s miracle of healing a helpless person will inspire faith in Jesus Christ and gratitude for His healing miracle of a cross and empty tomb.

Resources: A Bible, Internet access (computer, smart phone, iPad, etc.)

Activity Plan: A household leader or child leads a prayer for Christ’s presence during this time of reflecting on the healing power of Jesus Christ.

Read John 5:1-15“Jesus Heals a Helpless Man” What were some of the feelings of this helpless man as he was lying near the pool? While being unable to walk for thirty-eight years, what kept this man alive? What are possible connections between this miracle and our lives today?

Watch a video: (For younger participants) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1cykPOiMuY

Why had the man remained at the pool for thirty-eight years? What happened when Jesus saw this man? In which ways does Jesus bring healing to us today?

(For older participants) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_MfER6a9xo

How do we know that this man who was healed became a follower of Jesus Christ? What is the disease that all people have which calls for healing? In which ways does Christ heal us?

When we connect Christ’s healing of the man at the pool of Bethesda and the healing power of the water of our baptism, what are two ways in which healing through Christ’s death and resurrection have made a difference during this pandemic?

Visual Faith: Use the attached graphics or create your own to add a visual expression to your faith. Review the Visual Faith Graphics from the introduction page for more guidelines.

Prayers of an individual and/or the household - Thanking God for the healing water of one’s Baptism. - Seeking growth in a gift of faith inspired by Jesus Christ. - Expressing gratitude for connections with baptized members of family and congregation. - Offering petitions for other people and/or special needs.

Or pray: “Almighty God, we give thanks that you have healed us through the water of Baptism. You have made our spirits whole even if our bodies are not. Lord, there are others for whom we pray that you would bless them and give them healing (name t hem here). We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, who healed the man who was paralyzed. Amen.”

Today, tomorrow, days to celebrate healing and new life in Christ!

Connection to Lenten Worship: What might the sign point to or tell us about Jesus? What does the Pastor say in the sermon about this sign for us today?

Lenten Week #4

Week: March 4-10

Texts to read and consider for this week: John 6:1-15, 6:16-59.

Sign of the Week: John 6:1-15 Jesus Feeds the 5,000.

Participants: Households or individuals of all ages.

Purpose: To appreciate that Jesus, as the Bread of Life, is able to satisfy the deepest hun- ger of all people.

Resources: A Bible, Internet access (computer, smart phone, iPad, etc.)

Activity Plan: Read John 6:1-15 This is one of the signs where Jesus tells us what it means when he said, “Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35 ESV) What was the unique food God provided for His people after the Passover and exodus from slavery? See Exodus 16:4, 14-17. Jesus helps us make this connection with the Bread from Heaven, feeding these 5,000 with bread, and revealing himself as the True Bread from Heaven who satisfies our deepest hunger. Many of the people followed Jesus out of curiosity (“because they saw the signs that he was doing when healing the sick”) What has made you curious when thinking about the Person of Jesus? God blessed us with an inquisitive mind so we would learn about Him and His creation. If you want to explore this story more, it appears in each Gospel: (Matthew 14:15 -21, Mark 6:35-44, Luke 9:12:17). Just like instant replay in a sporting event offers a variety of perspectives on the same event, so the four Gospels offer unique perspectives on this sign.

Watch a video: (For younger participants) Younger audience watch “Jesus Feeds 5,000” (I:38) https://www.pinterest.com/ pin/387098530468099352/

- Why didn’t Philip have an answer for Jesus question, ”Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” (v. 5) - How satisfied were the people whom Jesus fed? - What did Jesus mean when He later told a crowd, “I am the Bread of Life?” (v. 35)

(For older participants) Watch “Jesus Feeds 5,000 People” (4:35) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyXP-kQfooU

Questions for reflection and discussion: - How do we know that the 5000 were satisfied with the food served by Jesus? - What did Jesus mean when He later told a crowd, “I am the Bread of Life?” (v. 35) - What is the hunger in our lives that Jesus, the Bread of Life, satisfies?

Jesus gave thanks for the food. Can you give thanks for that which He has provided for you? Maybe you pray (say grace) before you eat. If not, consider a simple prayer before your next meal “God is great, God is good. And we thank Him for this food. By His hand we must be fed. Give us Lord our daily bread.”

Visual Faith: Use the attached graphics or create your own to add a visual expression to your faith. Review the Visual Faith Graphics from the introduction page for more guidelines.

Prayers by members of the household or an individual can focus on: - Thanking God for providing an abundance of gifts in our daily lives. - Thanking God for the Bread of Life that satisfies our deepest hunger. - Thanking God for the opportunities to share God’s gifts with others.

Or pray: “Lord Jesus Christ, we thank you for satisfying our deep hunger for new life through your sacrifice on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. In your Name we pray. Amen.

Connection to Lenten Worship: What might the sign point to or tell us about Jesus? What does the Pastor say in the sermon about this sign for us today?

Lenten Week #5

Week: March 11-17

Texts to read and consider for this week: Jon 6:60-71, 7:1-52.

Sign of the Week: John 6:16-21 Jesus Walks on Water

Participants: Households or individuals of all ages.

Purpose: We be encouraged that the person of Christ quiet our fears in times of trouble.

Resources: A Bible, Internet access (computer, smart phone, iPad, etc.), crayons or colored pencils, a bucket of water and items that float, items that sink and can get wet.

Activity Plan: Begin with a prayer asking for Christ’s presence during this time of reading the Scrip- ture, thinking about its meaning, and talking about the differences that Christ’s presence makes in our lives.

Read John 6:16-21 Note ~ Only Matthew tells us about Peter getting out of the boat to walk on the water, too. (Matt. 14:28-31) “Do not be afraid” is the command Jesus gave most often. Why do you think He said it so often? Can His words still calm your fears today? Do you think Jesus whisked the disciples away because of the what the crowd of 5,000 wanted to make Him king (6:15)? Why do you think the disciples were frightened in verse 19?

Watch a video: (For young participants) “Peter Walks on Water” (1:51) https://www.pinterest.com/pin/387098530468111543/ - What is or was one of your children fears? (Bugs, the dark, high places, etc.) - Why did Jesus come to the disciples when they were in trouble? - Why do Jesus’ words, “It is I, don’t be afraid” calm our fears today?

Another video option “Jesus Walking on Water” (2:56) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2t3-S6eSUU

Activity for children: Float vs Sink.

 Put a bucket of water on the table  Display items that can float and that can sink in a bucket of water.  Ask the children to guess if it will float or sink, as each item is put into the bucket of water

 Have the children take turns putting the items into the water to see if they will float

 Ask them if we can float on the water (on our backs?)

 What about walking on water? Can we do it? Why or why not?

 Talk with them about the story you read and watched. - Jesus walked on water - He didn’t float on water, He walked! Discuss or explain that Jesus saves us from sinking in the waters of sin and death through His death on the cross and being raised to life on Easter. (For older participants) “Jesus Walks on Water” (2:40) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBkwPTzbg38

Questions for reflection and discussion: - “It is I; do not be afraid” is the command that Jesus gave most often. Why did He say this so frequently? - What does this miracle, this sign tell us about Jesus mission in the world? - In which ways does Jesus calm our worries and fears today? - In which ways does the presence of Jesus make a difference in our neighborhood and community?

Visual Faith: Use the attached graphics or create your own to add a visual expression to your faith. Review the Visual Faith Graphics from the introduction page for more guidelines.

Prayer by members of the household can focus on:

- Thanking God for quieting our fears. - Strengthening us when we have to face things that scare us. - Ask for Jesus to give us peace when we face future fears.

Or pray, “Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for your promise to be with us always. You don’t promise to take away scary things, but you promise to be with us and even to strengthen our faith through them. Strengthen us as we face the future. Amen.”

Connection to Lenten Worship: What might the sign point to or tell us about Jesus? What does the Pastor say in the sermon about this sign for us today?

Lenten Week #6

Week: March 18-24

Text to read and consider for this week: John 9:1-41

Sign of the Week: John 9:1-41 Healing the Man Born Blind

Participants: Households or individuals of all ages.

Purpose: To see that Jesus Christ is the One who heals our spiritual blindness through His death on a cross and resurrection which open our eyes of faith.

Resources: A Bible, Internet access (computer, smart phone, iPad, etc.), paper, colored pencils or crayons.

Activity Plan: Begin with a prayer asking for eyes of faith that see more of the love of Christ in His healing of the man born blind. Read John 9:1-41 Retell the main events of this miracle or “sign” in your own words. Jesus seems to tell us what this sign means before it happens as if to illustrate what He has just claimed in John 8:12. Notice the pop theology of the time seen in their question. Bad things happen to bad people, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” This pop theology is still around today. How does Jesus respond to the question? What are the religious leaders concerned about? What happens to the spiritual sight of the blind man as the account unfolds? What happens to the spiritual sight of the Jewish leaders as the account unfolds?

Watch a video: (For younger participants) “Jesus Heal a Man Born Blind” (3:16) https://www.pinterest.com/roxanedavis/1-saddleback-kids-videos/jesus-blindman/ - Why was Jesus’ healing of this blind man so unexpected? - When the blind man was healed, how did he answer those who asked, “Who healed you?” - Why did some refuse to believe that the man once blind was healed?

(For older participants) “Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind” (6:16) https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=tOjN5FVGHcM - How did Jesus respond to the question, “Teacher, who sinned, this man or his par- ents, that he was born blind?” - What happened to the spiritual sight of the blind man during his talks with Jesus? - What happens to our spiritual sight when we see the Person of Jesus Christ? - What does faith in Jesus Christ show us about one’s blindness to:  The shallowness of material things;  Living only in the present;  Ignoring one’s relationship with God? - In which ways has your faith in Jesus Christ grown during this Lenten Season?

On a blank piece of paper draw your favorite part of this event. Explain why this is your favorite part.

Prayer by members of the household can focus on: - Thanking God for eyes of faith opened by Jesus’ journey to the cross. - Naming ways in which a family which sees through eyes of faith is blessed - Naming one person with whom we can share what we see in Jesus Christ.

Visual Faith: Use the attached graphics or create your own to add a visual expression to your faith. Review the Visual Faith Graphics from the introduction page for more guidelines.

Prayer by members of the household can focus on: - Thanking God for one faith surprise - Naming one way of connecting this surprise to one’s daily life - Naming one person with whom we can share this surprise

Or pray, “Lord Jesus Christ, thank you that you came to help the blind to see. Thank you that you have revealed yourself to us, to show us your great love seen in your life, death, and resurrection. Thank you that you have sent the Holy Spirit so that we can see and believe. Amen.”

Connection to Lenten Worship: What might the sign point to or tell us about Jesus? What does the Pastor say in the sermon about this sign for us today?