Sunday, March 4th Readings

Third Sunday of Lent

Opening Prayer

Father

Thank you for being patient with me!

I begin my day with you

determined to keep you close.

I fail to see you in the people I meet,

Temptations reveal themselves

and I crumble and fall.

When I lay my head down to sleep,

I know I failed and ask forgiveness.

And in the morning,

you allow me to start again!

Father, thank you for being patient with me!

AMEN!

Journal/Reflection Questions

Exodus 20:1-17

What do the 10 commandments mean to you? What is the importance of them in your life?
Do you find the commandments as written relevant to the world today? Why or why not?

1 Corinthians 1:22-25

Define foolishness in the eyes of God vs human eyes. What are the similarities and differences in the definitions? What makes them so?
Define weakness in the eyes of God vs human eyes. What are the similarities and differences in the definitions? What makes them so?

John 2:13-25

When have you put God on the spot and tested him like they did in the scripture? What was the situation? What was the outcome?
If Jesus could build a temple in three days, what could He do with you if you allowed Him to be your only focus for three days? Describe what that would look like, how it would feel and what you’d want to take with you at the end.
What specifically makes Jesus upset in this scripture? Make a list of the things and identify ways these things are happening in the world today.

General Questions for Journaling

Can you think of things that have been around a long time like the commandments? What others things are there?
Are the commandments easy or hard to follow or understand? Is it better to only follow/focus on the two Jesus gave us?
How do you celebrate “Sabbath” or a day of rest? How is God a part of that day?
Would you consider yourself a slave? What are you a slave to? Is this good or bad?
Do you believe God punishes people? Why or why not? What does the bible say to support your belief?
Do you believe God shows mercy to people? Why or why not? What does the bible say to support your belief?
Do you believe God blesses people? Why or why not? What does the bible say to support your belief?
How does your faith affect how you see situations going on in the world today? Be specific. Share and example.
How are you like a temple? What are you made of? What holds you together? Are you under construction? Are there places in you that are not being used?

Closing Prayer