Exploring the Sunday Gospel - Second Sunday of Lent
Today is the Second Sunday of Lent. The Gospel reading draws on John’s account of the meeting between Jesus and Nicodemus. The relevance of this meeting for the second Sunday of Lent concerns the covert prediction of Jesus’ death on the cross. This prediction draws on the story in Numbers 21: 4-9. When Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness those who looked at it were preserved in life. In a similar way Jesus will be lifted up on the cross and thereby bring life to those who believe in him.
For those of you who wanted to do some thinking and preparation for today’s service during the preceding week, I invited reflection on the image of serpent. In today’s picture from his book Explorer, Teddy Horsley is running carefully through the long grass, keeping his eyes open to see if he can spot a sleepy snake basking in the sun that is now shining brightly after the rain.
Lord Jesus Christ,
you reign from the cross in glory.
Draw us to yourself,
that we may share your risen life,
and proclaim your saving grace
to those around us;
now and for ever.
Amen.
Next Sunday is the Third Sunday of Lent. The Gospel reading is John’s account of the meeting between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. The image to help prepare for next Sunday’s theme is running water. You can find out more about that theme by looking at the Educational Resources and the Preparation Resources.
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