Lent Week 7 - “Not as I Will, but as You Will”

Scripture Reading

Matthew 26:36, 39

John 18:3, 10-11

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Big Idea (For Parents)

Lent is a season of self-reflection in which we face any resistance in us to God’s will and, repenting of it, surrender ourselves wholly to God. Prayer and fasting are two means God gives to realize this. Like Jesus, through honest but humble prayer, we identify where our will would be inconsistent with God’s and so fully surrender that we find ourselves confidently explaining to others that of course God’s will is what we must follow, no matter what. 

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Family Reflection

(Read aloud or summarize)

Jesus knew that the only road to resurrection glory goes through the cross of suffering. So, when he was afraid, he prayed that God the Father’s will would overcome his human temptations. God so strengthened him through prayer that soon after, Jesus himself was again teaching others, like Peter, who were also tempted not to follow God’s will. 

When God appoints suffering for us, we are tempted to doubt and turn away from God’s will. Like with Jesus, our prayer and fasting during Lent strengthens us in our humble surrender to God’s will so we can obey it ourselves and teach others to do the same. Because Jesus did this perfectly for us, we can now do it better and better ourselves.

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Discussion Questions

(Choose 1–2, adjust for age)

1- What is one hardship you have experienced during Lent, due to fasting or otherwise?

2- How have any hardships during Lent tempted you to resist God’s will?

3- Who in your life is experiencing hardships which may tempt them to resist God’s will?

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Practice—Preparing for Resurrection

Jesus shows us the way. As we saw in Epiphany, Jesus is the Light of the World who has enlightened us so that through us he might continue to shine into more and more people and places. But the Light has enemies, and when their resistance threatens us with suffering, we’re tempted to resist God’s will. Yet, the brightest glory is seen after the darkest suffering. The incredibly joyful sunrise of Easter morning comes after the blackened heavens over the cross during Holy Week.

This week, pray for the Father’s will to be done fully in you and your family, no matter what.

Pray also for someone you know who has experienced hardships recently and let him or her know you’ve done so.

Having so surrendered, we’ll be ready for the celebration God has prepared for us on the other side of suffering.