The Shape I AM: A Lenten Worship Series
Following up on our Epiphany series, “Body Images,” we’re stepping away from the lectionary on Sundays during Lent to help tell a slightly more nuanced story. The goal of this Lenten journey is to more deeply explore the Jesus who has come to live among us but who has also come to die for our sake. Digging into the “I AM” statements in the Gospel of John give us an opportunity to do just this. The good news that John shares helps to reveal the truth of the human/divine essence of Jesus while at the same time underscoring our own human need to be in relationship with the divine.
Our series is formed around study of John written by Karoline Lewis, Luther Seminary preaching professor and John scholar. She writes,
“The “I AM” statements are more than just a novelty of the Fourth Gospel — they reveal, in all fullness (John 1:16), the identity of Jesus. “Obviously,” you might be thinking. But Lent is the season to remember one very important thing about what it means to be a Christian: that when Jesus goes to the cross, there goes God.”
Series Schedule:
- “I AM the True Vine” John 15:1-5 – Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14
- “I AM the Bread of Life” John 6:35-40 – Sunday, Feb. 18
- “I AM the Light of the World” : John 8:12-20 – Sunday, Feb. 25
- “I AM the Door” John 10:1-10 – Sunday, Mar. 4
- “I AM the Good Shepherd” John 10:11-18 – Sunday, Mar. 11
- “I AM the Resurrection and the Life” John 11:17-27 – Sunday, Mar. 18
At the Adult Forum between services each Sunday, participants will wrestle with these questions:
- What do the I AM statements of Jesus in John’s gospel call us to do in the world?
- What are the implications for community outreach, support of mission work, and social justice?