Dennis R. Wiles 

First Baptist Arlington 

March 1, 2026 

2026: Flourishing Together:  

Transformed on The Jesus Way 

Gospel Guide: John 

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

-Romans 12:1-2 

LENTEN/EASTER 2026: The Good Shepherd 

Ash Wednesday (February 18) – Easter Sunday (April 5), 2026 

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 

-Jesus (John 10:11) 

Our Guiding Light 

John 8:12-20 

Theme for the Lenten/Easter Season 2026:  The Good Shepherd 

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. 

CHRISTOLOGY: John records several instances where Jesus engages with a ritual, an institution, or some tradition in Judaism and expresses His Messianic fulfillment for those who are paying attention! 

• Wedding in Cana (2:1-12) 
• The Temple in Jerusalem (2:13-25) 
• Nicodemus (3:1-21) 
• Jacob’s Well (4:1-42) 
• Sabbath (5:1-47) 
• Passover (John 6) 
• Feast of Tabernacles (John 7-8) 
• Hanukkah (John 10) 

-Gary Burge, NIV Application Commentary, John 

CONTEXT: Jesus is in Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles.  

CLAIM: Jesus is The Light of the World! He is The Light shining in the darkness. He is our Guiding Light!