‘I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me…’ (John 14:6)

As we continue through Holy Week let’s not just believe these words, but let’s ask for God’s help to look for ways in which we can share them with others.

‘I am the resurrection and the life…’ (John 11:25)

Lord, we believe – help us in our unbelief!

‘Then Jesus shouted, Lazarus, come out…’ (John 11:43)

It’s difficult for us to imagine or visualise this scene, but why is this passage so important?

‘My sheep recognise my voice; I know them and they follow me…’ (John 10:27)

In this busy world that we live in, with all that we have to do each and every day, how easy is it to always recognise the voice of Our Lord? Do we – and if not, what do we need to do in order to follow Him as we should?

Read John 12:20-36

This is a defining moment for Jesus after His entry into Jerusalem as He looks to the cross. Now His mind and energy are focussed on what lies ahead, but there is little time left to impress on both His disciples, and the wider audience, how important this moment really is.

1. What did Jesus mean by the Son of Man being glorified? (See Daniel 7:13)
2. John 12:27 appears to suggest that Jesus could have asked His Father in Heaven to rescue Him from the cross. Do you think He should have done this to extend His mission time here on earth?
3. Jesus talks elsewhere about taking up our cross and following him. Is the story of the kernel of wheat saying something similar and how do you see this happening in Christians’ lives?
4. The people heard the voice of God, rather than relying purely on scripture to speak to them. Does God still speak directly to us or do you think that the voice that spoke to the prophets has gone silent now?
5. How do you perceive God’s will for your life and how might He be glorified through it?

John tells us that at this crucial time the voice of God was heard, not only by Jesus but by the crowd standing there. Perhaps this should serve as a reminder to us that God is not silent, and perhaps it is more that we are not attuned to listening for his voice.

‘As water reflects your face, so your mind shows what kind of person you are…’ (Proverbs 27:19)

What does our mind say about us?

‘I am the Lord your God who holds your right hand…’ (Isaiah 41:13)

To know that as we walk through life, every step of the way the Lord is with us, holding us by the hand – what a wonderful comfort and joy this is.

‘The Lord is full of tenderness and mercy…’ (James 5:11)

Life can at times seem harsh and there will always be occasions when, in response to this, we will think, say or do things that we know we shouldn’t. What a comfort then to know that we can depend upon this tender love and mercy from the Lord.

‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…’ (1 Timothy 1:15)

As we journey through Lent to the cross with our Lord, let’s never forget why Jesus undertook that journey – a journey He didn’t have to take, but did – to save us.