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Come Follow Me - Week Five

March 15, 2026 0 0

 

Come follow me, through the place of confrontation — Peace

 

Week beginning Sunday 15 March.

 

Introduction:

This week, the journey takes us into the "Place of Confrontation." The table is no longer in a peaceful wilderness or a roadside lay-by; it is set in No Man’s Land. This is the contested, disputed territory where we face our fears, our critics, and the systems that seek to define us.

 

Seeds to sow:

How can we support the work of peacemakers around the world an in our local communities?

 

Part 1 The Table in the Crossfire — Psalm 23

In the ancient world, to eat at someone’s table was to be under their protection. To have a table prepared "in the presence of enemies" is a radical claim of safety in the midst of conflict.

  • The table isn't set after the battle is over, but right in the middle of it. Who or what are the "enemies" currently watching you? (Is it a person, an inner critic, or a systemic injustice?) How does it feel to "feast" while they are still present?
     
  • The Anointed Head: In the presence of those who might wish us harm, God "anoints our head with oil” —a sign of being chosen and honoured. How does Jesus’ presence at this table help you reclaim your dignity when the world tries to shame or diminish you?
     
  • The Psalm ends with goodness and mercy "following" (literally pursuing) us. On this Lenten road, do you feel more "pursued" by your problems or by God’s relentless love?

 

Part 2 Breaking the Lens — John 9: 1–41

Here, Jesus encounters a man blind from birth. He immediately confronts the "superstitious thinking" of the disciples who want to assign blame rather than offer healing.

  • The Trap of “Why’: The disciples ask whose sin caused the blindness—the man's or his parents'. When you face a "wilderness" or a hardship, do you find yourself looking for someone to blame? How does Jesus’ refusal to play the blame game change your perspective on suffering?
     
  • Jesus uses the dust of the earth (clay) to bring sight. This is a "messy" healing. Why do you think Jesus often uses the very things we find "dirty" or "ordinary" to open our eyes to the truth?
     
  • After the healing, the neighbours don't even recognise the man. When Jesus changes your "vision" or heals a part of your life, how do you handle the people who prefer the "old version" of you or who refuse to believe you’ve changed?

 

Part 3 The Prayer for the Frontlines — John 17: 6–26

Known as the "High Priestly Prayer," this is Jesus’ final briefing for his disciples before the ultimate confrontation of Holy Week. He knows exactly what they are about to face.

  • Jesus prays for his disciples to be protected while staying in the world. How does it change your ‘commute’ or your ‘workday’ to know that Jesus isn't asking God to take you out of the hard places, but to keep you holy while you are in them?
     
  • Jesus says he "protected them and kept them safe by the name you gave me." What does it mean to you to carry the "Name" of Jesus into a place of confrontation? Is it a weapon, a shield, or a quiet comfort?
     
  • In verse 20, Jesus prays specifically for those who will believe through their message—that includes us. How does it feel to realise that Jesus was thinking of your specific struggles and your specific ‘No Man’s Land’ over 2,000 years ago?