This blog aims to serve as a resource for leaders to use and guide their faith community through this meaningful season.
Lent offers a crucial opportunity to deepen the spiritual journeys of your faith community and cultivate a vibrant sense of curiosity for not-yet-followers of Jesus and followers of Jesus alike. However, sustaining engagement throughout Lent can present challenges. This coaching guide draws upon principles from Christian Coaching Essentials to empower you in leading your community through a meaningful Lenten experience.
A Defining Moment
As you guide your faith community through Lent, this season presents a powerful opportunity for contemplation and deeper understanding. Today, I want to share some reflections on this poignant moment, not only as a spiritual event, but also as a lens through which we can examine your own leadership, your ministry, and your community.
The Duality of Hosanna:
Luke 19:28-44 highlights the fascinating duality of the word “Hosanna.” On the surface, it’s a joyous cry of praise. But its Aramaic root, “Oshana,” reveals a deeper meaning: a desperate plea for salvation. This hidden layer adds complexity to the scene on Palm Sunday. The crowds weren’t just celebrating a triumphant leader; they were also yearning for deliverance, perhaps from Roman rule or their own struggles.
Jesus’ Knowing Sacrifice:
The passage emphasizes that Jesus understood the true cost of his upcoming sacrifice. He knew the celebratory cheers would soon turn to cries for his crucifixion. Yet, his love for humanity compelled him to persevere. This adds a layer of poignancy to his journey into Jerusalem.
The Invitation to Self-Reflection:
The account confronts us with our own human flaws. We are reminded that we, like the Jerusalem crowd, are capable of both praising Jesus and contributing to his suffering through our sins. This introspection can be a powerful call to humility and repentance.
Spiritual Disciplines for Growth:
The passage goes beyond simply conveying the story. It offers practical ways to deepen your faith during Holy Week and beyond. It introduces the concept of “spiritual disciplines,” practices that can strengthen your connection to God. Examples include:
- Bible Reading and Study: Regularly engaging with scripture allows you to learn from God’s word and receive guidance.
- Worship: Expressing praise and adoration to God through singing, prayer, or simply reflecting on his majesty.
- Prayer: Building a two-way conversation with God, sharing your joys, struggles, and petitions.
- Service: Putting your faith into action by helping others in need.
- Fasting: Abstain in some significant way from food and possibly from drink as well.
Reflection as a Tool for Growth:
The passage concludes with questions for reflection. Taking time to ponder these questions can be a powerful tool for personal growth:
- How has your understanding of Jesus’ sacrifice evolved over time?
- What aspects of the Holy Week story resonate most with you this year?
- How can you use the coming week to draw closer to God?
- Which spiritual disciplines feel most appealing to explore?
By reflecting on these points, you can personalize your Lenten experience and deepen your connection to the message of sacrifice and salvation.
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Photo by Dimitri Kolpakov on Unsplash
