Our lesson this week is about different symbols in scripture. The first symbol comes from John 19:19-20. In these verses we learn that Pilate posted a sign on the cross that read "JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF JEWS". The question is what does this symbol mean. We had several interpretations. One view is that Pilate finally realized after his discussions with Jesus that he truly was the King of the Jews and posted it as a sign of his understanding. Another view, from the Jews stand point, is that if they were to cross the Romans they would lose their life. You can also look at the sign as a warning not to cross the Romans. Ultimately, the sign is a symbol of God reaching out to communicate with us. God wants to and can reach out to us through many different signs and languages. In Luke 23:32-43 we see our second symbol. In these verses it talks about the three crosses and Jesus speaking to the criminals. The crosses symbolize our choice. Jesus is in the middle and we can choose to do the right thing like one of the criminals or rebuke Him like the other. One of the criminals chose to believe in God while the other did not. Craig shared that it is amazing that while Jesus was dying on the cross he took focus off himself and chose to save the soul of what appeared to be a worthless criminal. Jennifer also added that the criminal show we do not have to work for God's love and forgiveness. The criminal did everything wrong and led a very sinful life but Jesus took time to save his soul because he loved and valued him. Our last symbol comes from John 19:23&24. It is the symbol of the garment. Instead of ripping it to shreds, the guards saw it as valuable and wagered for the garment in its entirety. That shows that instead of Jesus picking and choosing who he loves and wishes to grant salvation, he will give it to us as a whole. All we have to do is call upon his name and he will answer. As you go this week and prepare for Easter, think of the wonderful sacrifices that our Lord has made for not me, not you, but each of us equally. Thank God for sending His Son to die on the cross for us and our many sins.
Prayer Requests:
Doug and Christy are traveling to the beach this week. Pray for safe travels and good weather!
Reese, Scotty and Lesley's daughter is having tubes put in on Thursday. Pray for good results and for mom.
John and Susie - John's dad is trying to apply for Social Security and Disability after not being able to work due to his health issues. Pray he will be able to receive those soon. PRAISE! Susie's work has been approved to hire a new staff member. This will help her work load tremendously.
Jaime and Veronica - Find out today what the baby is! Be sure and let us know!!! Only 6 weeks left of school for Veronica.
Brian and Keri - Pray for Keri's parents because her father lost his job this week. Pray he will be able to find another one soon. Brain and Keri were involved in a scam with their house and Craig's list. Pray this will be over and they can sell their house before they move to the new one in Trussville.
Kim and Chris - They will be traveling this week to TN for a mini vacation. Pray for safe travels. Continue to pray for Chris' dad as he looks for a job.
Hugh and Kerri - Kerri and her thumb were at church today. Pray it will continue to heal so she can get the brace off! Continue to pray for her dad as he still uses oxygen. He goes to a pulmonologist this week to see if the oxygen may be a permanent thing.
Jon and Amber - Jon's sister in law lost her father on Saturday. The funeral will be this Wednesday. Pray for the Montgomery family as they begin to cope with this loss. PRAISE! My grandfather's biopsy went well. They will not know the results until Mar. 29th. My parents are traveling this week. Pray for safe travels. My mother has an anular buldge in her back and is taking steroids and aleve to help with pain. Pray she will feel better soon. The wedding is just 3 weeks away so pray we can all stay healthy and stress free. Courtney finds out where she will be placed this Thursday! Pray it is Hawaii! Just kidding. Pray it is where God needs her.
Jason and Rebecca - Rebecca's dad is still looking for a job.
Rachel and Andrew - Andrew's grandfather has lost hearing in one ear and has a lot of fluid in the ear. Pray they can fix the issue and he can hear again. Andrew's mom has a bulging disc in her back and is having an epidural block this week.
Greg and Jennifer - We were glad to have Jennifer's mom visiting with us. Mrs. Sandra Polly.
James and Chanel - They will be traveling back to Michigan on Thursday and Sarah will have surgery to relieve pressure on her eye. Continue to pray for Poole family who lives next door. They have 5 children and one who is severely disabled. They are needing money for a van and Chanel is planning to have a garage sale soon. We will let you know definite details as it gets closer.
Brad and Ashley - Doing well. Brad still looking for a job.
Kelly and Joey - Kelly is off to the beach with 9 boys for spring break. pray for her sanity!
Have a great week and we will see you on Sunday!!!
Amber
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