Feb 28, 2021 - LENT: JESUS IS THE WAY TO LIFE...NOW

John 13:1-17; 14:1-6 On this second Sunday of Lent, we continue our journey with the book, "40 Days of Decrease." Our current readings in the book of John have us in the Upper Room, where Jesus washed His disciples' feet and began to explain His soon coming departure. In John 14:1-6, Jesus talked of going away to make available the kind of life He came to offer, not just in the future, but for now as well. Jesus is the True Way to Eternal Life with God...which begins NOW!!! (Jn. 14:1-6) The language of the Father's "house" has connotations not only of a place, but also of a household or family. Jesus provides a way to a restored relationship with God, the Father. We are promised a place of meaningful and intimate relationship with God in His family. Thus, Jesus is not only the Way to a destination, He offers a whole new Way of Life. The story of the foot washing reveals key facets of this amazing way of life restored to God. We are Given a Secure Identity (Jn. 13:1-5) Jesus could move forward toward the cross and engage in the menial and gracious task of washing the feet of those who would desert Him because He knew He was God's loved Son. The identity we receive in Christ can ground us in the midst of all the voices calling us to prove ourselves. We are Invited to Deeping Growth in Character (Jn. 13:6-10) Jesus' interaction with Peter anticipated how His death would ultimately provide for cleansing from our sin, with a promise of continued deepening work of growing us in Christ-like character. As forgiven followers of Christ, we can continually bring the real issues of our lives to Christ for His transforming touch. We are Challenged to Meaningful Service (Jn. 13:12-17) As Christ has served us, He sends us to serve one another, and as His family to serve the world for His sake. As Christ's followers, we are invited to be part of the significant work God is doing in His church and in the world.