This series is a Lenten journey through the Gospel of John that invites us to move beyond faith as belief alone and into faith as a lived way of freedom. Week by week, we name what binds us—fear, shame, control, violence, despair—and listen for Jesus calling us out, just as he called Lazarus from the tomb. But the story does not end with being raised; it continues with the community commanded to “Untie him.” This series explores how grace is not only something God does for us, but something God works among us, shaping us into people who help one another live free. As we walk from the tomb to the cross to the empty garden, we ask together: What might need to change in how we listen, love, serve, and follow—so that we and others can live free?

LENT 1 – February 22, 2026
Untied From Death-Shaped Living • John 11:1–44

Binding Named
Resignation & Death-Shaped Living - The quiet belief that “this is just how it is.”

Resurrection begins with Jesus’ voice—but freedom requires participation.

Reflection Question
Where have I grown accustomed to living in a tomb that Jesus is calling me out of?

Practice
The Stone Bowl 

Communal Focus
We are not spectators of resurrection. Who in our community needs help being untied?

LENT 2 – March 1, 2026
Power Untied by Service • John 13:1–17

Binding Named - Status & Misused Power

Holiness looks like humility embodied.

Reflection Question
Where am I clinging to power instead of using it to free someone else?

Practice
Kneeling Exchange

Communal Focus
How might our church use influence not to preserve itself—but to bless others?

LENT 3 – March 8, 2026
Shame Untied by Truth • John 18:12–27

Binding Named - Shame & Self-Preservation 

Failure does not disqualify us from grace.

Reflection Question
What false story about myself is shame-telling that Jesus does not agree with?

Practice
Turning Back

Communal Focus
Can the church be a place where confession leads to restoration, not rejection?

LENT 4 – March 15, 2026
Truth Untied from Fear • John 18:28–40

Binding Named - Fear of Losing Control

Truth rooted in God is steady, not defensive.

Reflection Question
Where am I avoiding truth because I fear what it might cost?

Practice

Open Hands

Communal Focus
What would it look like for our church to be truth-telling and gentle at the same time?

LENT 5 – March 22, 2026
Violence Untied by Love • John 19:1–16a

Binding Named - The Myth that Force Saves

Jesus refuses to mirror violence.

Reflection Question
Where am I tempted to fight like the world fights instead of loving like Christ loves?

Practice
Non-Anxious Presence

Communal Focus
How might we practice non-anxious presence in a culture of outrage?

LENT 6 (Palm Sunday) – March 29, 2026
Expectations Untied • John 19:16b–22 [John 12:12–27]

Binding Named - Control & Projection

Following Jesus requires surrendering our version of him.

Reflection Question
What expectations of Jesus might I need to release to follow the real Christ?

Practice
Release the Script

Communal Focus
Are we willing to be shaped by Jesus rather than shaping him to fit us?

MAUNDY THURSDAY – April 2, 2026
Love Poured Out • John 19:23–30

Binding Named - Fragmentation & Isolation

Grace creates new community at the place of pain.

Reflection Question
Who is Jesus inviting me to receive as family?

Practice
Receive, Don’t Initiate

Communal Focus
How do we embody cross-shaped love toward one another?

GOOD FRIDAY – April 3, 2026
Held in the Silence • John 19:31–42

Binding Named -Despair

Sometimes grace is simply staying.

Reflection Question
Where is God asking me to remain faithful without visible results?

Practice
Stay

Communal Focus
How can we accompany one another in seasons when hope feels hidden?

EASTER – April 4, 2026
Named and Sent • John 20:1–18

Binding Named - Death Itself

Resurrection is personal and missional.

Reflection Question
How will I live differently because Christ has called my name?

Practice
Name and Send

Communal Focus
We are sent as people who have been untied.
Who needs to hear that freedom is possible?