Page 48 - Lenten Devotional 2023

Week 5: March 27-31

John 13: 3-5
Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come

from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a
towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the
disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him.

Reflection
When Jesus humbled himself to wash the feet of the disciples he was modeling humility

for his disciples. In this humility we make ourselves vulnerable to one another.There is
an intimacy in our vulnerability that reinforces our dependency upon each other. Jesus

shows us a love that seeps into us and transforms our hearts.

Welcome Stories

I once participated in a Native American sweat lodge ceremony at Rosebud reservation.
The organizers of the ceremony constructed the lodge with branches covered with
tarps. They carried heated stones inside the tent with shovels and poured water over the

stones to create the effect of a sauna. We were cautioned that it would be quite hot
inside the lodge. One of the hosts joshed to his friends that they would teach their
visitors "some humility." We were led into the sweat lodge and seated on the ground. It

was totally dark inside the tent. I knew that the organizers of the event would take care
of their guests, but I also wondered, "Exactly how hot is it going to get?" The hosts
began chanting loudly in the dark. I do not speak Dakota, so I did not understand what

they were singing, but I did recognize the word "koda," which means friend. That one
word made all of the difference for me.
~Pastor Greg Gabriel (1 yr with First Lutheran)

In an earlier time of life after first moving to Lincoln, we hosted weekly meals in our

home for unattached members of our church community. We provided food and open
invitation for informal sharing and conversations about people's lives, struggles and
hopes. This formed the basis for some of our closest relationships that have lasted
through decades.

~Scott Seebohm (6 yrs with First Lutheran)