Page 3 - Grace Mail Lent 2022

1. The Wine
“When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’” John 2:3
The last drunk wedding dregs
seem an unlikely place to set a sign,
but such wine bloodied waters
will make glad the hearts of all who taste the ripe glory of this Vine.
Pour yourself a red drink (Ribena, red grape juice, pomegranate, for instance, definitely something you enjoy). Savour the flavour and the colour. As you do, think about the line "make glad the hearts of all who taste..."
Does Jesus show a characteristic of God in this sign He performs at the wedding in Cana? What might it be?
Special word: Vine
Other Bible passages: John 15: 1-2
“I am a true sprouting vine, and the farmer who tends the vine is my Father. He cares for the branches connected to me by lifting and propping up
the fruitless branches and pruning every fruitful branch to yield a greater harvest. (The Passion Translation)
2. The Bread
“Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.” John 6:15
This Loaf King -
whom we would crown just for the crusts - insists on being Living Bread, granting life through his flesh and blood, on proving himself true manna sent from heaven for us.
Get yourself a piece of bread. Before you eat it, break it in two. Think about how bread has nourished you over the years. Can you remember a time when it felt like one of the best things you'd ever eaten?
How do you feel about Jesus insisting on being our Living Bread?
Special word: Manna
Other Bible passages: John 6: 30-31; Psalm 78: 23-24
Still he spoke on their behalf, and the skies opened up;
the windows of heaven poured out food, the mercy bread-manna.
The grain of grace fell from the clouds.
(The Passion Translation)
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