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Week 9, 2012 focus

Worship Christ today as the Bread of Life.

Week 9, 2012 message

This week is the beginning of Lent, the 40-day period leading up to Easter, which the church has traditionally set aside for self-examination. Dr. Hunter will begin his Lenten preaching series Responding to the Red Letters by talking to us about responding with generosity.

Week 9, 2012 read and reflect

To prepare for worship, read and reflect on John 6:1-15:
After these things Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (or Tiberias).  A large crowd followed Him, because they saw the signs which He was performing on those who were sick.  Then Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat down with His disciples.  Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was near.  Therefore Jesus, lifting up His eyes and seeing that a large crowd was coming to Him, said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these may eat?” This He was saying to test him, for He Himself knew what He was intending to do.  Philip answered Him, “Two hundred 1denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, for everyone to receive a little.”  One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him,  “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?”  Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.  Jesus then took the loaves, and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted.  When they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments so that nothing will be lost.” So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. Therefore when the people saw the sign which He had performed, they said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.”
So Jesus, perceiving that they were intending to come and take Him by force to make Him king, withdrew again to the mountain by Himself alone.

Week 9, 2012 prayer

Jesus, 
we know we don’t live by bread alone, 
but by Your words of hope and healing. Keep us hungry for You, and fill us so that we can give of ourselves to others. Amen.