First Sunday in Lent
Readings from the Revised Common Lectionary
This is the first of several covenants God makes with humanity, culminating in the New Covenant established in Christ. What does the word “covenant” imply to you? How does an understanding of “covenantal relationship” impact our image of how God interacts with humanity?
The promises God makes in this covenant are unconditional, meaning that they require no human action to be upheld. They are everlasting and certain for all of history. Spend some time talking about and reflecting on the nature of a God who keeps his promises. A good Scripture verse for this reflection comes from Deuteronomy 7: “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations…”—Deut. 7:9 (ESV)
God gives a rainbow as a sign of his covenant promises. What other signs of his covenant promises come to mind from Scripture, and which are particularly meaningful for you?
This psalm, first and foremost, is a prayer. Spend some time reading it prayerfully. How does reading it as a prayer affect your understanding of and appreciation for this passage?
This section of the prayer has a very distinct flow…the Psalmist begins in verses 1-3 with a cry for help and rescue, then issues a plea for guidance and mercy in verses 4-7, and then makes strong declarations the God who will hear and answer these petitions. Is there a particular part of this prayerful rhythm that resonates with you in this season of life? Why?
What does the phrase “all the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness” (vs. 10) mean for you? How has this been revealed in your life or the lives of people you know?
The meaning of the cross is put here in a very simple, straightforward way in verse 18: “For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God.” Spend some time thinking or talking about the truth that the reason Christ’s death was to “bring us to God.” What does that say about the suffering of Jesus? What does it say about us?
There’s a denominational church building in Ohio that’s known for its lobby fountain, which features water running down a granite slab. Visitors are encouraged to lay their hands on the slab, letting the water run over them as they meditate on the words carved into the granite: “Remember your baptism.” In light of verse 21, which links baptism to the story of Noah and the truths of God’s salvation, what are some ways we can build remembrances into our life of what God has done for us?
Verse 22 concludes this passage with a striking image of Christ’s authority as he sits at the right hand of God. Even as we think about the humble sufferings of Christ during Lent, how can meditating on his authority and power be helpful for us? What link does Peter make between the resurrection and that authority, and how might that impact the way we experience Easter Sunday?
What does it mean for you to know that Jesus, the very Son of God, underwent baptism at the Jordan River? How does it help us understand his mission on Earth?
Why do you think Jesus was driven into the wilderness by the Spirit? What happens during that wilderness time? How does this affect our understanding of “wilderness seasons” we ourselves encounter?
Jesus’ message in verse 15 has three major statements: “The time is fulfilled,” “The kingdom is near,” and finally, “Repent and believe.” Spend some time breaking down each of these and what they tell us about the ministry of Jesus and our own invitation to discipleship.
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As you finish, choose one of these four texts and let it guide you into a time of prayer.