Memorization Verse:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” — John 14:27
Welcome to the fifth week of our Lenten journey. We have surrendered our control, our need to earn, our pride, and our ego. Now, we face the giant that often drives all of those habits: Fear. This week, we sit with the disciples in the Upper Room as Jesus prepares them for a future that feels uncertain and frightening.
The Word for the Week
Read: John 14:1-3, 25-27
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you… I have told you these things while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things… Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.”
The Reflection: The Anchor in the Storm
Fear is a powerful thief. It steals our sleep, our kindness, and our ability to trust. When the disciples realized Jesus was leaving, they were terrified. Their security was tied to his physical presence. They were afraid of the religious leaders, afraid of being alone, and afraid of failing.
Jesus doesn’t tell them that the world will become safe. In fact, he tells them that “in this world, you will have trouble.” But he offers them something better than safety: Presence. In the Upper Room, Jesus shows them that peace isn’t the absence of conflict; it’s the presence of the Spirit. He washes their feet to show that love is the antidote to fear. He tells them he is the “Vine” and they are the “Branches” to remind them they are never truly disconnected. This week, we practice moving from “Fear” to “Peace” by staying connected to the Vine.
Weekly Prayer Focus: The Breath of Peace
Find a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted. Close your eyes and take a deep, slow breath. Identify one fear that has been “troubling your heart” this week—perhaps a fear about your health, your kids, or your finances. Hold that fear in your mind.
As you inhale, imagine God’s peace filling your lungs. As you exhale, imagine releasing that fear into God’s hands.
Pray (using the rhythm of your breath): (Inhale): “Lord, You are the Vine…” (Exhale): “…I am the branch.” (Inhale): “You give me peace…” (Exhale): “…I release my fear. Amen.”
Weekly Reading Plan: The Upper Room
- Thursday: John 13:1-17 (Washing Feet: Humility as the antidote to the fear of insignificance)
- Friday: John 13:18-38 (The Prediction of Betrayal: Facing the fear of being let down or failing)
- Saturday: John 14:1-14 (The Way, the Truth, and the Life: Facing the fear of the unknown)
- Sunday: Worship and Rest
- Monday: John 14:15-31 (The Promise of the Holy Spirit: Facing the fear of being alone)
- Tuesday: John 15:1-17 (The Vine and the Branches: Facing the fear of fruitlessness)
- Wednesday: John 15:18–16:15 (The World’s Hatred and the Spirit’s Help: Facing the fear of rejection)
- Thursday (Next Week): John 16:16-33 & John 17 (Grief to Joy & The High Priestly Prayer: Facing the future with Jesus’ intercession)
Family Friendly Conversation Starter
The “Shadow and Light” Game: In a dark room, use a flashlight to make “scary” shadows on the wall using your hands or toys.
- The Activity: Talk about how a shadow can look big and scary, but it’s only there because there is a light If you turn the light toward the object, the shadow disappears.
- Ask the Kids: What is something that makes you feel “shadowy” or afraid?
- The Big Idea: Jesus is the light that is bigger than any shadow. When we are afraid, we don’t have to hide; we just have to turn toward the Light.
The Week 5 Lenten Challenge(s)
Pick one a day for the whole week or try different activities throughout and reflect on your experience.
The “Anxiety” Fast To practice “Facing Fear,” we invite you to fast from Feeding the Fear.
- The “News Fast”: Fear is often fueled by the constant cycle of bad news. For three days this week, don’t check news websites or watch news broadcasts. Use that time to read John 14–17 instead.
- The “What If” Flip: Whenever you catch yourself saying “What if [something bad happens]?”, immediately stop and say “Even if [that happens], God will be with me.”
- The “Comfort” Check: Notice what you reach for when you are afraid (food, shopping, scrolling, wine). For one week, try to replace that “comfort” with 5 minutes of silence, read a scripture, or listening to a worship song.
The Goal: Every time you feel fear rising, let it be a physical reminder to say: “Jesus, I trust Your peace is with me.”
Not Signed Up for Weekly Reminders? Once a week on Thursdays when it is posted, we will send a link (by text or email) that will take you to the guide for the week. To sign up to receive these weekly devotionals by text, simply text “lent26” to (571) 487-8557. To sign up to receive them by email, simply send an email with the subject line “Sign me Up for the Lenten Devotional” to info@haymarketchurch.org.