SCRIPTURE
Sunday 8th March 2026 – 3rd Sunday of Lent
Draw Near: Life-giving habits for lent: SCRIPTURE
(by Revd. Buffy Langdown and Peter Mitchell - LLM)
Introduction:
Have you ever gone for a walk with someone?
How does it feel when someone walks with you?
Today we learn that Jesus still walks with us — especially when we read the Bible.
Today we remember that when two disciples walked in confusion, the risen Jesus came alongside them and opened the Scriptures. And in a letter to Timothy, we are reminded that Scripture is “God-breathed” — alive and useful for shaping our lives.
We are here to meet Christ who still speaks through his Word.
Talk part 1: Scripture must be opened and received.
Bring up a volunteer Give them:
- A wrapped snack (closed)
- A Bible (closed)
Question: Can this snack feed you if it stays wrapped?
Can this Bible change you if it stays closed?
Just like food must be opened and eaten, Scripture must be opened and received.
In our Gospel reading, Jesus opens Scripture — and something powerful happens.
Interactive Bible reading Luke 24:13-35
Talk part 2 : Scripture Warms the Heart
What was happening on the road?
- The disciples were confused.
- They knew the Bible stories.
- But they didn’t yet see Jesus in them.
- What confused or worried the disciples?
- How did Jesus help them see God’s plan?
- What makes our hearts “burn” when we read the Bible today?
Then Jesus:
- Walked with them.
- Explained the Scriptures.
- Showed how they pointed to him.
What changed?
Not the road.
Not the circumstances.
Their hearts.
Scripture became personal.
The same Scriptures they had heard all their lives suddenly became:
- Alive
- Clear
- About Jesus
- About them
Second Bible Reading: Timothy 3:14-17
Emphasize verse 16:
“All Scripture is God-breathed…”
“God-breathed” means Scripture carries God’s life and voice.
Talk part 3: Scripture Feeds Us
What happens if you don’t eat for a week? We become weak.
What happens if we don’t receive God’s Word? We become spiritually tired, confused, and easily discouraged.
Scripture as Nourishment
Like:
- Bread strengthens the body
- Water refreshes
- Milk helps growth
So Scripture:
- Teaches truth
- Corrects gently
- Trains us in love and goodness
- Equips us to live well
But notice something:
The disciples recognized Jesus:
Not just when he explained the Scriptures…
But when he broke bread.
Word and nourishment belong together.
Christ feeds us:
- Through Scripture
- Through his presence
Through community
Summary: Three simple invitations…
Walk with Jesus in Scripture, Read expecting to meet Him.
Pray first: Ask God to open your understanding before reading your bible.
Listen attentively: Hear God speaking to you directly, not just learning history, just as the disciples experienced on the Emmaus Road.
It’s about reading the Bible as a living conversation with God rather than just a text.
As you leave today take a candle to light each day to help remember to …
“Read Scripture with Jesus, pray for understanding, hear Him call your name, and let His Word light your heart and guide your steps.”