Lent

John 4: 5-42
The Samaritan woman and Jesus take two different paths to arrive at the well to draw water. The worn out, sarcastic Samaritan woman becomes an evangelizer because of the conversion that happens when she encounters Jesus at the well. She receives the gift of new life that comes with the living water and faith.

Symbols

• Deep, dynamic, living waters of the well
• A bucket overflowing

John 9: 1-41
Though the story appears to be about the blind man’s physical sight, what is more important is the spiritual sightedness he achieves when he encounters Jesus at the Pool of Siloam. The blind man emerges from the darkness of being without sight into the light of Jesus when he believes.

Symbols

• Stones representing our blind spots and the ancient architecture of a “pool”
• Dynamic, flowing water of the pool
• The people who are amazed and the proclamation of the man, "I do believe!"

John 11: 1-44
The story of the raising of Lazarus captures two truths: the human heartache of death and the power of resurrection. Not only are Lazarus’ sisters, Martha and Mary grieving, but the Lord weeps as well, underscoring the humanity of Jesus even as he reaches out to bring Lazarus back to life. The burial cloths are also significant in that Jesus asks for others to help remove them, a reminder that the community and his followers are part of this story and will carry on his mission.

Symbols

• Burial cloths
• The tears of Jesus
• Cave/tomb