Preaching:
Pastor Frenchye Magee
Reflection:
Images of protection, care, and guardianship show up throughout the Old and New Testaments, but few are as poignant as the one we see this week in our scripture passage. In a revealing moment of passionate frustration, Jesus reaches outside traditional masculine warrior imagery to compare himself to a mother hen. It’s an image that invites to reconsider what we think we know about the fierceness of God’s loving guidance and protection.
Our entire Lenten series,
Wellsprings of Hope
, is an extension of that invitation. However, this week’s theme, “Well Guarded,” may have some challenges for us if we associate being guarded with punitive restriction or imprisonment. Can we use Jesus’ private moment to recalibrate our understanding of God’s loving desire to protect us from our worst impulses and guide us toward life that is joyful and grace-filled? Can the gift of being well guarded give us boldness to share God’s love with the world? If these themes and images speak to you in meaningful ways, take a moment to let the pastors and worship design team know. Worship that is impactful and shared offers hope to everyone who interacts with our community.
For the Children and the Adults in Their Lives:
There was a day in the Bible when Jesus was so upset with the people, he said out loud he wished he was like a mother hen and the people were like little chicks who wanted to come under his wing for safety. Have you ever seen chickens do this? It's true, a mother hen gathers her brood to her and they all stay warm and safe. When Jesus said this, he was upset with how people were acting, but instead of saying he wished they'd all leave, he said he wished they'd be part of his family. Who keeps you safe? How do they help you know you're safe? Are you responsible to help anyone stay safe, like a younger sibling or a pet? How do you do that?
