Lent Week 5 - Encounter Jesus

Hey everyone,

We’re now moving into Week 5 of Lent together.

Firstly, well done for staying in it. By this point the novelty has probably worn off a little and the disciplines can begin to feel like actual work. That’s normal. Growth usually feels like that.

A couple of people have also shared with me that, they have felt some spiritural opposition. Again thats normal, when we start stepping forwards with Jesus, the enemy doesn't like it. But you do need to decide how you respond to it, you can be pushed back by the opposition or you can keep pushing forwards into growth and maturity.

Keep on going. 

Keep showing up and spending time with Jesus, praying, reading scripture, fasting on Mondays, and practicing the grow challenges… even if it doesn't always feel super duper amazing...growth will happen! 

This week we’re going to shift the focus of our Scripture slightly. Over the past few weeks we’ve been soaking in teaching about identity, formation, and prayer. Now we’re going to look at people encountering Jesus and what happens when their lives collide with Him.

Because ultimately, our faith isn’t just about ideas or disciplines. It’s about encountering a person, Jesus!

Scripture Focus – Week 5

Encounters with Jesus

This week we’re going to slowly read through a series of moments where people meet Jesus and something changes.

Read one passage each day and imagine yourself inside the story. Notice what happens when people come close to Him. 

Monday

Luke 5:1–11,  Jesus calls the first disciples

Tuesday

Luke 7:36–50, The woman who anoints Jesus’ feet

Wednesday

Luke 8:40–48,  The woman who touches Jesus’ cloak

Thursday

Luke 19:1–10, Zacchaeus

Friday

John 11:1–44,  Jesus raises Lazarus

Saturday

John 13:1-17, Jesus washes his disciples feet

Sunday

Luke 24:13–35, The road to Emmaus

As you read, ask yourself:

What happens when someone truly encounters Jesus?

What is He revealing about Himself?

What might He be forming in me?

Daily Prayer Rhythm 

Grab a Bible, a notebook, and find a quiet place.

Opening Prayer

Hello Jesus, I am here.

I quiet my heart and mind before you.

I lay down distraction and my to-do list.

Make me present to you,

as you are present to me.

Speak Lord, I am listening.

Amen.

5 minutes - Stillness

Slow down. Breathe. Return to the simple phrase:

“Here I am Lord.”

10 minutes - Scripture

Read the passage for today slowly. Let it shape you, not just inform you.

10 minutes - Prayer

Grow me - shape my character, deepen my love, renew my mind.

Grow us - strengthen The Beacon Church and those walking through Lent together.

Grow your kingdom - in my family, workplace and across Teesside.

5 minutes - Listening

Sit quietly. Write down anything you sense Jesus forming in you.

Closing Prayer

Jesus, thank you for meeting with me.

I place myself into your story today.

May I be woven into your plans today.

May I be guided by your voice today.

May I be eager to love today.

May I walk in the joy and thanksgiving of all you have made and all you have given to me today.

Holy Spirit, form me into the likeness of Jesus.

Grow my roots deep in you.

Amen.

Grow Challenge – Week 5

Share Your Faith

This week’s challenge is simple, but it might push some of us slightly outside our comfort zone.

At some point this week, share about your faith in Jesus openly with someone else.

It doesn’t need to be dramatic. It doesn’t need to be a big speech.

It might simply be:

telling someone you’ve been praying for them

mentioning something God has been teaching you

explaining why your faith matters to you

talking about what Lent has been doing in your life

Part of growing as disciples of Jesus is becoming more natural at speaking about our faith.

So ask the Holy Spirit to open a moment this week.

When the opportunity comes… take it.

Massive blessings over each of you.

I’m continuing to pray for you as we walk through this together.

Stephen