Lent is a season of reflection, repentance, and renewal—a journey toward the cross and ultimately, the empty tomb. Throughout this journey, Jesus used everyday objects to teach deep spiritual truths, revealing God’s grace, justice, and love. In this sermon series, Lenten Symbols: Encountering Christ Through the Everyday, we explore how ordinary items—a map, a stopwatch, a lantern, a gate, a mirror, a cloak, a towel, a nail, and a sunrise—carry extraordinary meaning when seen through the lens of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.

Each week, we will focus on one of these symbols, connecting it to Jesus’ teachings and the pivotal moments of His journey to the cross. Like a map guiding a traveler, God’s Word directs us toward compassion and faithfulness. Just as a stopwatch reminds us of the urgency of time, Jesus calls us to repentance before it’s too late. A lantern shines light in the darkness, reminding us that God actively seeks the lost. A gate stands between the rich man and Lazarus, challenging us to break down barriers of injustice. A mirror invites self-examination, as Zacchaeus’ story urges us to see ourselves as Christ sees us. A cloak and palm branch symbolize our expectations of Jesus, but do we welcome Him as He truly is? A towel, the ultimate symbol of servanthood, shows us that true greatness comes through humility. A nail represents the cost of our salvation, the price Jesus paid on the cross. And finally, a sunrise signals new life, the victory of resurrection, and the promise that death has been defeated.

Through these tangible symbols, we will engage with the Lenten journey in a fresh and meaningful way. This series calls us to deepen our faith, examine our hearts, and live as people transformed by Christ’s sacrifice and victory. Whether you are stepping onto this path for the first time or walking it once again, may these symbols guide you toward a renewed encounter with Jesus—our Savior, Servant, and Risen King.

Join us as we embrace the sacred meaning behind everyday objects and discover how they reveal the profound truth of the Gospel.

Scripture: Luke 13:1-9, 31-35 (Jesus Preaches Repentance)

Object: A stopwatch or hourglass (symbolizing time running out)

Theme: Repent now—don’t delay spiritual renewal.

Focus:

The barren fig tree is given one more chance to bear fruit.

Jesus longs to gather His people, but they resist.

Repentance isn’t just feeling sorry; it’s about real change before it’s too late.

Key Wesleyan Connection:

Sanctifying Grace – God calls us to grow and bear spiritual fruit.

The Urgency of Holiness – Repentance is ongoing, not just a one-time event.

Free Will – We have the choice to turn to God or resist His call.

Challenge:

Where in your life do you need to repent and bear fruit?

Is there a spiritual habit or sin you’ve been delaying dealing with?

Take one concrete step toward real transformation this week.

Scripture: Luke 15:1-32

Object: A lantern

Theme: God does not wait for us to find Him—He comes searching for us.

Focus:

• The shepherd leaves the 99 to find the one.
• The woman lights a lamp and sweeps until she finds the coin.
• The father runs to the prodigal son before he even arrives home.

Key Wesleyan Connection:

• Prevenient Grace – God searches for us before we even know we are lost.
• God is active, not passive – We don’t have to get everything right before He welcomes us.
• The Celebration of Grace – Heaven rejoices when just one sinner repents.

Challenge:

• Where have you wandered away from God?
• How is God searching for you today—through people, Scripture, or circumstances?
• This week, pause and let yourself be found by God.

Scripture: Luke 16:19-31

Object: A small gate or fence piece

Theme: Justice and eternity—where do we stand?

Focus:

• The rich man ignored Lazarus, who sat just outside his gate.
• When he died, the roles were reversed—Lazarus was comforted while the rich man suffered.
• We are called to see and respond to suffering now, not after it’s too late.

Key Wesleyan Connection:

• Social Holiness – Faith should lead to action, not just belief.
• The Great Reversal – God’s kingdom flips earthly values upside down.
• Justice Matters – How we treat others has eternal significance.

Challenge:

• Are there gates in your life that separate you from others in need?
• How can you practice generosity and justice this week?
• Step outside your comfort zone to help someone in need.

Scripture: Luke 18:31–19:10

Object: A mirror

Theme: Jesus sees Zacchaeus fully—how do we see ourselves?

Focus:

• Zacchaeus was desperate to see Jesus but Jesus already saw him.
• True repentance involves action—Zacchaeus gave back four times what he had taken.
• Jesus sees who we are, but also who we can become.

Key Wesleyan Connection:

• Justifying Grace – Transformation happens when we truly encounter Jesus.
• Personal Holiness – Faith isn’t just belief—it requires change.
• Accountability & Restoration – Repentance involves making wrongs right.

Challenge:

• When you look in the mirror, do you see who God wants you to be?
• Is there a past mistake you need to make right?
• This week, take action in response to Jesus’ love.

Scripture: Luke 19:29-40

Objects: A cloak & a palm branch

Theme: Welcoming Jesus as King—on His terms, not ours.

Focus:

• The crowd waves palm branches and lays down cloaks in celebration, but their expectations of Jesus as a military leader are misplaced.
• Jesus rides not on a warhorse, but on a donkey—a sign of peace, not conquest.
• The people shout “Hosanna” (Save us!), but by Friday, many will cry “Crucify him!”

Key Wesleyan Connection:

• Servant Leadership – Jesus redefines kingship through humility and service.
• Prevenient Grace – God’s plan for salvation was unfolding, even when the people misunderstood it.
• Free Will – The people had a choice: Would they follow Jesus as He is or only as they wanted Him to be?

Challenge:

• Are there areas in your life where you expect Jesus to conform to your desires instead of surrendering to His will?
• How can you lay down your expectations like a cloak at His feet this week?
• This Holy Week, reflect on what it truly means to declare Jesus as King.

Scripture: Luke 22:1-30

Object: A towel

Theme: The road to the cross is the road of humble service.

Focus:

• Jesus takes a towel and washes the disciples’ feet, an act normally done by a servant.
• He commands them to “love one another as I have loved you”—a love defined by humility and sacrifice.
• Even as He is betrayed, Jesus still offers love, communion, and grace.

Key Wesleyan Connection:

• Works of Mercy – Service and love are at the heart of Christian discipleship.
• Justifying Grace – Jesus invites us to His table, despite our unworthiness.
• Covenant Renewal – The Lord’s Supper is a reminder of God’s ongoing promise of redemption.

Challenge:

• Who in your life do you need to serve with humility, even if it’s uncomfortable?
• Do you see Communion as a routine or as a life-changing invitation?
• This week, find one way to practice Christ-like service to someone in need.

Scripture: Luke 22:31-23:57

Object: A nail

Theme: Jesus was pierced for us—will we follow Him?

Focus:

• The nails driven into Jesus’ hands and feet represent the weight of sin and the depth of grace.
• The crowd that once praised Him now mocks Him—Jesus is abandoned, yet remains faithful.
• As Jesus breathes His last, the temple curtain tears in two, symbolizing the barrier between humanity and God is gone forever.

Key Wesleyan Connection:

• Justifying Grace – Christ’s death makes salvation possible for all.
• Atonement – Jesus bore the punishment we could not bear.
• Faithfulness & Surrender – Jesus trusted God’s plan completely, even in suffering.

Challenge:

• Do you recognize the weight of your sin and the depth of God’s grace?
• How does Christ’s sacrifice change the way you live today?
• Spend time in reflection—don’t rush past the cross.

Scripture: Luke 24:1-12 (The Empty Tomb)

Object: A sunrise (symbolizing new life, hope, and victory)

Theme: The darkness is over—new life has come!

Focus:

• The women go to the tomb expecting death, but find it empty—a sunrise in the darkness.
• The angel declares, “He is not here; He has risen!”—resurrection changes everything.
• The disciples struggle to believe, but Jesus will soon appear to them, offering proof of new life and new hope.

Key Wesleyan Connection:

• Sanctifying Grace – Resurrection is not just about eternal life, but a transformed life today.
• Victory Over Sin & Death – Easter is the culmination of the Gospel—Jesus conquered what we could not.
• Hope & Joy in Christ – We are an Easter people, called to live in the light of the resurrection every day.

Challenge:

• Do you live with the hope and boldness of resurrection, or do you still live in fear?
• Where is Jesus calling you to step out of the tomb of doubt and into new life?
• This week, walk in resurrection power—live as someone truly set free!