Sensing Lent: An Embodied Journey to Easter

• How to Use this Guide

  Each week you will be invited to engage with two images created by artist Scott Erickson and inspired by the Stations of the Cross.

  Accompanying each image you will find three invitations: Read, Reflect, and Relate.

  First, Read the Scripture passages to consider the image in a biblical context. Next, Reflect on the image using Visio Divina, a meditation (i.e. intentional prayerful reflection) provided by the artist, and your senses. Finally, Relate to others by sharing your experiences with your Small Group or trusted friend(s).

  Throughout the guide, you will be prompted to notice your senses and to consider Jesus’ physical experience of the journey to the Cross. Think of these as jumping-off points for your own consideration and curiosity rather than as prescriptions for what you must reflect on.

  In the same vein, if the images feel difficult to relate to, please see the Appendix for a guide to prayerful reflection (Lectio Divina) to use with the Lenten Scriptures listed in the Read sections. The Appendix also offers further resources like music, guided prayers, and suggestions for engaging the senses in prayer and reflection.

• Lenten Holy Days
  • Lent – a season in the Christian calendar leading up to Easter that remembers the events preceding Jesus’ death on the cross
  • Ash Wednesday – a day of reflection, prayer, and repentance that marks the beginning of Lent; often commemorated with fasting and ashes
  • Palm Sunday – a day to remember and celebrate Jesus’ arrival to Jerusalem the week before his crucifixion/resurrection; the first day of Holy Week Maundy Thursday – (also Holy Thursday) the Thursday before Easter commemorating Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet and the Last Supper
  • Good Friday – The Friday before Easter that solemnly remembers Jesus’ crucifixion and death
    Easter Sunday – (also Resurrection Sunday) a day to remember and celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead and new life over death for all
• What is Visio Divina

  Visio Divina or “Holy Seeing” is defined as the practice of allowing what we see or experience around us to lead us into prayer and awareness of our Creator. It is more of a posture than an exact process. The steps below offer a framework to engage with each of the 12 images in this series.

  Suggested Steps for Visio Divina

  1. Begin with awareness of yourself as you settle into a time of reflection. Offer yourself grace, time, and some slow breaths to become more present.
  2. View the image without agenda and note what stands out to you. What is interesting or compelling? Are there areas you want to avoid looking at?
  3. Describe the image in a word or short phrase.
  4. Note any scriptures or names of God that come to mind.
  5. Note what you have become aware of about Jesus during your time.
  6. Talk with Jesus about what took place as you engaged with the image. This discussion and prayer can take the form of a time of quiet contemplation, going for a walk, drawing, journaling, or even asking a friend to hold some listening space for you to process
• Conversation Covenant

  I pledge

  ●  To act in good faith, with curiosity. I will assume the best

  about my conversation partners when entering into our groups. I will give the benefit of the doubt recognizing that they may know something I don’t.

  ●  To show respect. I will show respect. I will be polite and give due regard for the feelings and traditions of others. I understand that I do not have to agree with someone to show them respect.

  ●  To speak the truth. I won’t use rhetorical tricks to try to win an argument. I will speak what I genuinely believe is the nuanced truth.

  ●  To aim to discover the truth. I will not enter into a conversation with the purpose of changing the mind of anyone to my way of thinking.

  ●  To focus on what we can change. I will focus on what we can do differently in the future since we cannot change what we did in the past.

  ●  To take responsibility for the conversation. I will take responsibility for the quality of the conversation and the abidance of the rules both in principle and in spirit.

  ●  To follow the covenant even when others fail to do so. I will abide by the rules regardless of whether another person breaks them.

  ●  To lighten up and approach the conversation in good humor. I recognize that humor is a hallmark of a constructive, generative conversation and take the conversation in good humor.

  (Conversation Covenant adapted from https://conversational-leadership.net/conversation-covenant/)

• Notes for Facilitators

  A. Before each gathering, star two or three questions to be sure your group addresses in case you run short on time.

  B. Be mindful of the “room”; create a posture for everyone to come as they are, per the Conversation Covenant.

  C. This is an open-ended study that prompts people to relate personally. This can feel jarring or vulnerable at times. You are welcome to adapt questions to fit your context if the questions provided are too challenging or un-relatable for you or those in your group.

  D. The topics covered might be new to some and very familiar to others. Have patience with these differences and learn together what Lent means. It might even mean taking time during your meetings to use Google or other resources to look up answers to questions on the spot.

  E. In following the Conversation Covenant, show up honestly and authentically to work through the material as a community on the journey together.

  F. If the group discussion becomes too Big Picture, remind people to move back toward “I” statements.

  G. You always have support and resources available: smallgroups@highrock.org

Week 1

• Jesus is Tempted

  Read

  Image Verse: “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Matthew 26:38
  See also Matthew 26:36-46

  The Lenten Story: Matthew 26 to 28. Read sections devotionally or with Lectio Divina in the Appendix.

  Reflect

  Visio Divina

  Breathe. View. Observe. Pray. See page one for suggested steps.

  Meditation

  Jesus is compelled to desperate prayer.
  Think of Jesus’ complete honesty in prayer.
  Jesus calls together his friends in his most desperate time of prayer. What drives you to such a desperate time of prayer?

  Sense: Desperation

  What feelings, sensations, smells, sounds, tastes, and sights do you associate with desperation? Pay attention, noticing how they appear within or around you this week.

  Relate

  Discussion Questions

  •  What did you notice in your Visio Divina time this week?
  •  Talk through the questions or statements in the meditation. What stood out to you?
  •  For better or worse, how do you respond when overwhelmed or desperate?
  •  In your reflections, what did you learn about Jesus? His relationships, values, priorities, and relationship to God the Father?

  View Image: Jesus is Tempted
• Jesus is Betrayed

  Read

  Image Verse: “Friend, do what you came here to do.” Matthew 26:50
  See also Matthew 26:14-16, Mark 9:31

  The Lenten Story: Matthew 26 to 28. Read sections devotionally or with Lectio Divina in the Appendix.

  Reflect

  Visio Divina

  Breathe. View. Observe. Pray. See page one for suggested steps.

  Meditation

  The son of God was betrayed by a friend.
  The son of God was betrayed by his creation.

  Sense: Betrayal

  What feelings, sensations, smells, sounds, tastes, and sights do you associate with betrayal or being betrayed? Pay attention, noticing how they appear within or around you this week.

  Relate

  Discussion Questions

  ●  What did you notice in your Visio Divina time this week?

  ●  Talk through the questions or statements in the meditation. What stood out to you?

  ●  Discuss betrayal. Have you been on either side of it? What was it like?

  ●  What about betrayal causes such deep hurt? Are there degrees of betrayal?

  ●  “Friend, do what you came here to do.” Matthew 26:50 What do you think it was like for Judas to hear this from Jesus?

  ●  What does it look like to confront your own inner Judas that is capable of betraying Jesus rather than following him?

   

  View Image: Jesus is Betrayed

Week 2

• Jesus is Condemned

  Read

  Image Verse: “But this is your hour – when darkness reigns.” Luke 22:53
  See also Luke 22:66-71, John 19:1-16

  The Lenten Story: Matthew 26 to 28. Read sections devotionally or with Lectio Divina in the Appendix.

  Reflect

  Visio Divina

  Breathe. View. Observe. Pray. See page one for suggested steps.

  Meditation

  Jesus submits quietly and peacefully. Jesus is condemned by religious leaders. What was their fear?

  Sense: Fear

  What feelings, sensations, smells, sounds, tastes, and sights do you associate with fear? Pay attention, noticing how they appear within or around you this week.

  Relate

  Discussion Questions

  ●  What did you notice in your Visio Divina time this week?

  ●  Talk through the questions or statements in the meditation. What stood out to you?

  ●  How do you respond when challenged, confronted, or accused? What are responses Jesus could have had that would have been totally justified?

  ●  Why do you think Jesus responded the way he did? What from the experience in the Garden and the Last Supper might have prepared him for this moment of public condemnation?

  ●  Consider what this means in terms of Jesus practicing solidarity with the accused and condemned.

  ●  How can you intentionally model Jesus’ solidarity?

  View Image: Jesus is Condemned
• Jesus is Mocked

  Read

  Image Verse: “But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?” John 18:23
  See also Matthew 27:28, Matthew 20:18-19

  The Lenten Story: Matthew 26 to 28. Read sections devotionally or with Lectio Divina in the Appendix.

  Reflect

  Visio Divina

  Breathe. View. Observe. Pray. See page one for suggested steps.

  Meditation

  What brings on our mockery?
  The soldiers brutalize Jesus.
  Imagine the Son of God being brutalized by men.

  Sense: Mockery

  What feelings, sensations, smells, sounds, tastes, and sights do you associate with mockery? Pay attention, noticing how they appear within or around you this week.

  Relate

  Discussion Questions

  ●  What did you notice in your Visio Divina time this week?

  ●  Talk through the questions or statements in the meditation. What stood out to you?

  ●  What form(s) does mockery take in this day and age?

  ●  Are there people groups or individuals you respond to with mockery, either in word or in thought?

  ●  “But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?” John 18:23. What do you think Jesus is pointing out in this question?

  ●  What are practical ways you could shield someone if you see or hear them being mocked? What about if you are the target – how would Jesus offer protection and solidarity?

   

  View Image: Jesus is Mocked

Week 3

• Jesus is Given His Cross

  Read

  Image Verse: “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” John 3:14-15

  The Lenten Story: Matthew 26 to 28. Read sections devotionally or with Lectio Divina in the Appendix.

  Reflect

  Visio Divina

  Breathe. View. Observe. Pray. See page one for suggested steps.

  Meditation

  The cross was a public murder device for criminals.
  This is how Jesus was killed.
  Imagine carrying the wood of the cross up the hill to your eventual slow and public death.

  Sense: Carrying a Cross

  What feelings, sensations, smells, sounds, tastes, and sights do you associate with carrying a cross? Pay attention, noticing how they appear within or around you this week.

  Relate

  Discussion Questions

  ●  What did you notice in your Visio Divina time this week?

  ●  Talk through the questions or statements in the meditation. What stood out to you?

  ●  Consider Jesus’ life, ministry, and teachings. If you were there watching him carry the cross, what would you be thinking?

  ●  What is significant about his execution being public rather than happening quietly away from the crowds?

  ●  Jesus was fully God and fully human. Discuss how both are fully on display here.

  View Image: Jesus is Given His Cross
• Jesus Falls

  Read

  Image Verse: “Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” John 12:24

  The Lenten Story: Matthew 26 to 28. Read sections devotionally or with Lectio Divina in the Appendix.

  Reflect

  Visio Divina

  Breathe. View. Observe. Pray. See page one for suggested steps.

  Meditation

  This station, although not found in scripture, is traditionally in three stations. It symbolizes Jesus’ humanity and his ever-decreasing strength as he moves towards his public death. Imagine Jesus experiencing weakness and distress in a public setting with nowhere to hide. Imagine the exhaustion of the last 24 hours.

  Sense: Weakness

  What feelings, sensations, smells, sounds, tastes, and sights do you associate with weakness? Pay attention, noticing how they appear within or around you this week.

  Relate

  Discussion Questions

  ●  What did you notice in your Visio Divina time this week?

  ●  Talk through the questions or statements in the meditation. What stood out to you?

  ●  When you stumble, fail, or mess up, what is your first impulse?

  ●  How does witnessing someone else’s weakness make you feel or think about them?

  ●  In your moments of weakness, can you see Jesus there with you having a shared experience?

  ●  Can you see Christ in others when their weakness is exposed? How could that change your posture and response to them?

  View Image: Jesus Falls

Week 4

• Simon Carries Jesus' Cross

  Read

  Image Verse: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24

  The Lenten Story: Matthew 26 to 28. Read sections devotionally or with Lectio Divina in the Appendix.

  Reflect

  Visio Divina

  Breathe. View. Observe. Pray. See page one for suggested steps.

  Meditation

  Imagine being pulled from the crowd and carrying this man’s device of death.
  What is it like to walk alongside Jesus in this?

  Sense: Solidarity

  What feelings, sensations, smells, sounds, tastes, and sights do you associate with solidarity? Pay attention, noticing how they appear within or around you this week.

  Relate

  Discussion Questions

  ●  What did you notice in your Visio Divina time this week?

  ●  Talk through the questions or statements in the meditation. What stood out to you?

  ●  Have you experienced a friend or family member carrying your burdens with you? What was that like?

  ●  What does it take to come alongside others in their suffering, shame, or trial?

  ●  What can we learn from seeing Jesus weak and in need?

  View Image: Simon Carries Jesus' Cross
• Jesus is Stripped

  Read

  Image Verse: “For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?” Luke 23:31
  See also Luke 23:34

  The Lenten Story: Matthew 26 to 28. Read sections devotionally or with Lectio Divina in the Appendix.

  Reflect

  Visio Divina

  Breathe. View. Observe. Pray. See page one for suggested steps.

  Meditation

  Romans crucified criminals naked.
  Reflect on the shame of nakedness in the Garden of Eden. And the shame of nakedness at this moment.

  Sense: Vulnerability

  What feelings, sensations, smells, sounds, tastes, and sights do you associate with vulnerability? Pay attention, noticing how they appear within or around you this week.

  Relate

  Discussion Questions

  ●  What did you notice in your Visio Divina time this week?

  ●  Talk through the questions or statements in the meditation. What stood out to you?

  ●  Jesus was exposed physically to crowds and the elements in addition to all he had already endured. Discuss this aspect of his journey.

  ●  Discuss from the meditation: What is nakedness in the Garden of Eden? What has it become here?

  View Image: Jesus is Stripped

Week 5

• Jesus is Nailed to the Cross

  Read

  Image Verse: “My God My God, why have you forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46
  See also John 8:28, John 12:32

  The Lenten Story: Matthew 26 to 28. Read sections devotionally or with Lectio Divina in the Appendix.

  Reflect

  Visio Divina

  Breathe. View. Observe. Pray. See page one for suggested steps.

  Meditation

  The long physical pain of crucifixion was excruciating. In fact, the word excruciating is derived from crucifixion.

  Sense: Pain

  What feelings, sensations, smells, sounds, tastes, and sights do you associate with pain? Pay attention, noticing how they appear within or around you this week.

  Relate

  Discussion Questions

  ●  What did you notice in your Visio Divina time this week?

  ●  Talk through the questions or statements in the meditation. What stood out to you?

  ●  How do you respond to pain? Is it different from when you were a child? How so?

  ●  What do you imagine it was like for the two criminals to watch this happening to Jesus?

  ●  Even in his most vulnerable and painful moment, where does Jesus focus his attention?

  ●  What does he use his last moments for? What do you take from that?

  Jesus is Nailed to the Cross
• Jesus Dies

  Read

  Image Verse: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13
  See also John 19:30, Luke 23:46, Isaiah 53:7

  The Lenten Story: Matthew 26 to 28. Read sections devotionally or with Lectio Divina in the Appendix.

  Reflect

  Visio Divina

  Breathe. View. Observe. Pray. See page one for suggested steps.

  Meditation

  Jesus died. He died.
  Our greatest fear is death.
  And He was not insulated from that fear. His physical body stopped working.
  His friends watched Him die.

  Sense: Death

  What feelings, sensations, smells, sounds, tastes, and sights do you associate with death? Pay attention, noticing how they appear within or around you this week.

  Relate

  Discussion Questions

  ●  What did you notice in your Visio Divina time this week?

  ●  Talk through the questions or statements in the meditation. What stood out to you?

  ●  How does the fear of death express itself in you? What about death causes fear?

  ●  What was finished on the cross?

  ●  The finality of death is something none of us can avoid. Consider together the significance of Jesus, as fully God, experiencing an earthly death.

  View Image: Jesus Dies

Week 6

• Jesus is Buried

  Read

  Image Verse: “When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.” Matthew 26:12
  See also Luke 23:50-56

  The Lenten Story: Matthew 26 to 28. Read sections devotionally or with Lectio Divina in the Appendix.

  Reflect

  Visio Divina

  Breathe. View. Observe. Pray. See page one for suggested steps.

  Meditation

  His friends buried Him.
  Have you ever buried a loved one? Imagine doing that with the one you believed was going to change the world and bring ultimate justice and healing.

  Sense: Grief

  What feelings, sensations, smells, sounds, tastes, and sights do you associate with grief? Pay attention, noticing how they appear within or around you this week.

  Relate

  Discussion Questions

  ●  What did you notice in your Visio Divina time this week?

  ●  Talk through the questions or statements in the meditation. What stood out to you?

  ●  In your life, what attitudes and rituals surround death, dying, and/or grief?

  ●  For the disciples, what else would have felt like it was buried with Jesus? What other feelings might have accompanied their grief?

  ●  There are many plants and seeds that also get buried. Is there a useful comparison there to Jesus’ burial?

  View Image: Jesus is Buried
• Jesus Rises

  Read

  Image Verse: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays his life down for his sheep.” John 10:11
  See also Matthew 17:9, Revelation 1:17-18, Matthew 20:18-19, Matthew 11:28, 1 Peter 2:24-25

  The Lenten Story: Matthew 26 to 28. Read sections devotionally or with Lectio Divina in the Appendix.

  Reflect

  Visio Divina

  Breathe. View. Observe. Pray. See page one for suggested steps.

  Meditation

  Consider the other side of our greatest fear.
  Jesus shows us that there is something beyond death.

  Sense: New Life

  What feelings, sensations, smells, sounds, tastes, and sights do you associate with new life? Pay attention, noticing how they appear within or around you this week.

  Relate

  Discussion Questions

  ●  What did you notice in your Visio Divina time this week?

  ●  Talk through the questions or statements in the meditation. What stood out to you?

  ●  What does it mean if death is no longer the final word?

  ●  Where are you longing for a refreshed spirit or signs of life?

  ●  How can the resurrection affect how you live, pray, and relate to others?

  ●  What was it like for you to use your senses to connect with Scripture and Jesus’ last days? Reflect together what you learned through what challenged and interested you in this study.

  View Image: Jesus Rises