Designed to Flourish! - March 29, 2026

2026: Flourishing Together:
Transformed on The Jesus Way
Gospel Guide: John

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
-Romans 12:1-2

LENTEN/EASTER 2026: The Good Shepherd
Ash Wednesday (February 18) – Easter Sunday (April 5), 2026

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
-Jesus (John 10:11)

Designed to Flourish!
John 15:1-17

Theme for the Lenten/Easter Season 2026: The Good Shepherd

Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

THEOLOGY: This section of John is rich in theological truth and imagery. Jesus used the familiar imagery of the vine/vineyard to convey the profound theological truth that He is now The True Vine and His Father is the Divine Gardener!

OLD TESTAMENT CONTEXT: For background on this prophetic claim from Jesus – refer to passages like: Psalm 80:8-16; Isaiah 5:1-7; 27:2-6; Jeremiah 2:21; Ezekiel 15; 19:10-14; Hosea 10:1.

INAUGURATED ESCHATOLOGY: Jesus established The Age to Come on earth. In this new era, people no longer are called to join Israel in its privileged position ------ but all people are invited to join the new Messianic Community created by Jesus Himself!

PERSONAL: This text is rich in personal application for all followers of Jesus.

What does it mean to be truly human?

Our deepest human needs regarding attachment are met in our life with Jesus!

How can we answer the fundamental desire to be productive?

In our life with Jesus, we can discover the beauty of a fruitful life.

Jesus offers us the only path to fulfill God’s original design for us.