Day 10 - Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial

Mark 14 v 27-31 Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial    
(Use the link above to get to the passage)

Peter’s resolve and desire to be the man that Jesus wanted him to be is inspiring. He was willing to say that “Even if all fall away, I will not.” He wanted to say that he would be willing to die for his Saviour.

Here in the West we never have to face the risk of death for what we believe. But still we find ourselves wanting to say we will follow Jesus in all situations, but then struggle to put that into practice when the conversation turns to faith in Jesus.

Take time today to pray for people we know who have taken a stand for their faith in Jesus. Internationally, that might be to think about Christians who find themselves displaced because of their religion, or who have to live with the burden of having had loved ones murdered or taken hostage because of their trust in Jesus. And then pray for yourselves in the situations you meet where you need to make a stand for your Saviour.

God our Father,
in your love and goodness 
you have taught us to come 
close to you in penitence
with prayer, fasting and generosity; 
accept our Lenten discipline, 
and when we fall by our weakness, 
raise us up by your unfailing mercy; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen.
(www.churchofengland.org)

Day 9 - The Last Supper

Luke 22 v 7-38 The Last Supper    
(Use the link above to get to the passage)

How often do we ask each other, or discuss who is the best at something? As a society we are always looking for who is 'the best', whether it be the Guinness Book of Records, or simply who is the best for the job in an interview situation. Jesus turns this on its head in his response to the squabble that breaks out between the disciples. (In some ways this is made even worse by the fact they seem to be arguing about who is the best disciple!)

Does this ever filter into our Christian life, asking who is the best preacher, best at praying, best at leading worship? We would do well to remember Jesus’ response - “I am among you as one who serves.”

Think about those who lead in our churches, and who inspire us in our walk with Jesus. Pray for them - that they will keep their servant hearts. And pray for situations you find yourself in where you have to lead, and ask for Jesus’ grace to lead as a servant.

God our Father,
in your love and goodness 
you have taught us to come 
close to you in penitence
with prayer, fasting and generosity; 
accept our Lenten discipline, 
and when we fall by our weakness, 
raise us up by your unfailing mercy; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen.
(www.churchofengland.org)

Day 8 - The Last Supper

Mark 14 v 12-26 The Last Supper    
(Use the link above to get to the passage)

It is a privilege to be able to share the same meal that Jesus did with his disciples as part of our Christian worship in 2015. Like us, they met together in the presence of Jesus, sang hymns and remembered that Jesus was going to create a new covenant between mankind and his Heavenly Father. They didn't necessarily understand the profundity as they shared their passover meal together, but Jesus knew he was setting in place a powerful and deeply meaningful reminder of his death and resurrection.

As you eat your meals today, pause and think about the time Jesus spent with his disciples. Thank him for your salvation and hear him say once again, “This is my blood of the covenant, poured out for many”.

God our Father,
in your love and goodness 
you have taught us to come 
close to you in penitence
with prayer, fasting and generosity; 
accept our Lenten discipline, 
and when we fall by our weakness, 
raise us up by your unfailing mercy; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen.
(www.churchofengland.org)

Day 7 - Jesus prays for all Believers

John 17 v 20-26 Jesus prays for all Believers    

(Use the link above to get to the passage)

We should find it both astonishing and humbling that Jesus took time as part of the last week of his life on earth to pray for all believers. Two things shine through. Firstly that Jesus prays for us to be one, to have a holy unity that is complete. Secondly that Jesus has a desire for us to be with him in Heaven and to see his Glory.

With the day by day that we see at the moment, both within the church and secular news, it is difficult to see how Jesus might be pleased at seeing unity and his glory shining. There are many who suffer for what they believe. Do we pray enough for them? There is much that the church is arguing about. Do we pray for unity? Take time today to pray as Jesus did, and remember that the process of unity is something that we are part of too.

God our Father,
in your love and goodness 
you have taught us to come 
close to you in penitence
with prayer, fasting and generosity; 
accept our Lenten discipline, 
and when we fall by our weakness, 
raise us up by your unfailing mercy; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen.
(www.churchofengland.org)

Day 6 - Jesus prays for his disciples

John 17 v 6-19 Jesus prays for his disciples    

(Use the link above to get to the passage)

As we read today of Jesus’ prayer for the disciples, it is refreshing to see his love and care for them. Whilst he was with them, he had protected them by his name, the holy name of Jesus. And now that he is preparing to leave them, he asks his Father to continue to protect them. But the motivation in the next few words is compelling - that they may be one. We will find that mirrored tomorrow to all believers, but for today Jesus is praying specifically for his disciples. He knows what challenges will face them. In the first instance they will have to cope with his crucifixion, but ultimately with setting up the Church. And this is backed up with them having the full measure of Jesus’ joy within them.

Take time to think today of those who, in the past, have been faithful in their faith. Some of them have a direct link to meaning that we are and can be Christians today. And then allow the full measure of the joy of Jesus be in your heart.

God our Father,
in your love and goodness 
you have taught us to come 
close to you in penitence
with prayer, fasting and generosity; 
accept our Lenten discipline, 
and when we fall by our weakness, 
raise us up by your unfailing mercy; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen.
(www.churchofengland.org)

Day 5 - Jesus prays to be Glorified

John 17 v 1-5 Jesus prays to be Glorified    

(Use the link above to get to the passage)

Go back and read those words again. What a contrast to what we thought about on Saturday. Jesus is here seeking to have all the Glory of what he would achieve with his death and resurrection to return to his Father. It is mind blowing to think that the eternal life that Jesus would win for those who love him meant we can know God. We can know the only true God. Jesus didn't quit or give up; he finished the work that he was given. He knows he will stay true to the very end, with his dying breath and his glorious resurrection.

Take a moment now to reflect on the Glory that Jesus now has at the right hand of the Father. Then think about it again and remember that it is the same glory he had as he created the world.

God our Father,
in your love and goodness 
you have taught us to come 
close to you in penitence
with prayer, fasting and generosity; 
accept our Lenten discipline, 
and when we fall by our weakness, 
raise us up by your unfailing mercy; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen.
(www.churchofengland.org)

Day 4 - Judas agrees to betray Jesus

Matthew 26 v 14-16 Judas agrees to betray Jesus    

(Use the link above to get to the passage)

In some ways these are three of the most shocking and distressing verses in the New Testament. One of the twelve disciples, Jesus’ closest friends, was willing to betray him for thirty pieces of silver. And it gets worse as he starts on his spiral of betrayal, watching for an opportunity to hand him over.

Judas’ question reeks of his greed, self indulgence and betrayal. It was all about him.

We won’t have betrayed Jesus in such a stark and agonising way, but we do still sin daily, hourly, moment by moment. We all have recurring sin that niggles and stubbornly drags at us. Is this Lent a time to bring that to Jesus and ask him to forgive and transform us?

God our Father,
in your love and goodness 
you have taught us to come 
close to you in penitence
with prayer, fasting and generosity; 
accept our Lenten discipline, 
and when we fall by our weakness, 
raise us up by your unfailing mercy; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen.
(www.churchofengland.org)

Day 3 - Jesus Anointed at Bethany

Matthew 26 v 6-13 Jesus Anointed at Bethany    

(Use the link above to get to the passage)

As you read and contemplate these words today you are living out the promise Jesus made to the woman who anointed his feet. Jesus was in the home of Simon the Leper, already something that was far from the norm for a teacher, and the woman came and anointed him. Imagine the reaction she would have got, the looks from those around the table. And Jesus turned to her and said, “She has done a beautiful thing”. Sometimes what we do for Jesus (and which he considers to be beautiful) can be perceived by others as a waste of time/effort/resources etc.

Be willing to do something out of the ordinary for Jesus. But also remember that it is in the small things that we do for others that we can glorify and bring a smile to the face of Jesus. Are there things you need to do today that Jesus would consider beautiful?

God our Father,
in your love and goodness 
you have taught us to come 
close to you in penitence
with prayer, fasting and generosity; 
accept our Lenten discipline, 
and when we fall by our weakness, 
raise us up by your unfailing mercy; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen.
(www.churchofengland.org)

Day 2 - The Plot Against Jesus

Matthew 26 v 1-5 The Plot Against Jesus    
(Use the link above to get to the passage)

It is always amazing to be reminded just how aware Jesus was of what he was moving towards. The links with the Passover and the Exodus from Egypt are striking – the killing of the first born son leading to the rescue of the people of Israel. And here was Jesus making it very clear that he would be killed at this Passover time. Jesus understood the rescue plan for humanity that he was bringing about, and he set his face towards the journey he would take.

As you set yourself for what you will do today, remember the truth that, because of what Jesus did, he walks with you. His Spirit is with you and he loves you. Let that come to mind during the day and be pleased to be his servant.

God our Father,
in your love and goodness 
you have taught us to come 
close to you in penitence
with prayer, fasting and generosity; 
accept our Lenten discipline, 
and when we fall by our weakness, 
raise us up by your unfailing mercy; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen.
(www.churchofengland.org)

Day 1 The Triumphal Entry

Matthew 21:1-11 The Triumphal Entry    

(Use the link above to get to the passage)

It is the beginning of Lent, and today's passage takes us to the beginning of the events in Jerusalem leading up to the death and resurrection of Jesus. The scene is wondrous to think about, Jesus sitting on a borrowed donkey with people laying leaves at his feet. The throngs of song and shouting filling the streets as he walks past would have echoed down the streets, not dissimilar to the songs of the angels at the beginning of Revelation. (Revelation 3v8) The whole city asked "who is this man?", excited by the arrival of the prophet from Nazareth. They had no idea of what would follow.

Over the next weeks we are going to follow Jesus on the journey to Calvary. Take time today to ask him to prepare you for the journey, to be reminded of who he is, and shout in your heart "Hosanna to the Son of David"!

God our Father,
in your love and goodness 
you have taught us to come 
close to you in penitence
with prayer, fasting and generosity; 
accept our Lenten discipline, 
and when we fall by our weakness, 
raise us up by your unfailing mercy; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen.
(www.churchofengland.org)

Download the 2015 Reading Scheme

Lent starts next Wednesday! Why not find a group of friends to do the challenge with? It could be friends from work or church.

Download the reading scheme to print out here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4MlNuTTRkjSUERtenMycFg0cFU/view?usp=sharing

Bookmark the blog page here:
http://lentmenschallenge.blogspot.co.uk/

Like the Facebook page here (the blog posts are mirrored here):
https://www.facebook.com/lentmenschallenge

Set a reminder in your phone calendar.

Are you ready for the challenge?

Two weeks until Lent 2015!

Lent approaches again. Some of you might have taken part last year - are you up for the challenge again? For some of you this will be the first time you've thought of taking part - go for it!

This year the readings will follow the events of Easter week, considering a different part of the journey Jesus took on his way to the cross and resurrection.

Why not add a reminder to your calendar for the 18th February for the beginning of Lent? Like last year the challenge will be on the blog and the Facebook page. If you like the page it will mirror to your Facebook news feed.

https://www.facebook.com/lentmenschallenge

Why not take some time today to reflect on Jesus and the coming build up to Easter? Be ready for what he might have to reveal to you as you think of the what He did for you nearly 2000 years ago.