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Lent in Plain Sight: A Devotion through Ten Objects
God is often at work through the ordinary people, ordinary objects, ordinary grace. Through the ordinary, God communicates epiphanies, salvation, revelation, and reconciliation. It is through the mundane that we hear God's quiet voice.
In this devotion for the season of Lent, Jill J. Duffield draws listeners attention to ten ordinary objects that Jesus would have encountered on his way to dust, bread, the cross, coins, shoes, oil, coats, towels, thorns, and stones. In each object, listeners will find meaning in the biblical account of Jesus final days. Each week, listeners encounter a new object to consider through Scripture, prayer, and reflection. From Ash Wednesday to Easter, Lent in Plain Sight reminds Christians to open ourselves to the kingdom of God.
In this devotion for the season of Lent, Jill J. Duffield draws listeners attention to ten ordinary objects that Jesus would have encountered on his way to dust, bread, the cross, coins, shoes, oil, coats, towels, thorns, and stones. In each object, listeners will find meaning in the biblical account of Jesus final days. Each week, listeners encounter a new object to consider through Scripture, prayer, and reflection. From Ash Wednesday to Easter, Lent in Plain Sight reminds Christians to open ourselves to the kingdom of God.
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Published September 26, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 6, 2023
Some of the weeks were not as well tied together than others but I thought this was a nice Lenten devotional. I read it with a group and the discussion questions worked really well for us.
March 5, 2020
It is popularly said, "Seeing is believing." Faith reverses the paradigm to say that belief is seeing. In the Bible, especially the book of Hebrews, we read of people of faith who believed even when they have not seen the results. Having eyes of faith essentially means we believed even when our eyes do not see God. Having said that, it is entirely appropriate to use signs to point us to God, just like Jesus's seven signs in the gospel of John, that all points to Him and His working out of the will of God. Without derailing our minds on the need for faith to be fixed on the invisible God, we can use objects as reminders of that very focus. We don't worship the things or focus our devotions on these things. Like a prayer mat to enable us to kneel or a quiet room to help us focus on prayer in silence, objects can enhance our remembrance of Christ's journey to the cross. Enters this Lent devotional with ten objects to help us do just that.
Dust reminds us of how we have been created. This is most appropriate as Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, where believers are reminded that "ashes to ashes, dust to dust," we were created from dust, and our bodies will return to the earth as dust. Dust reminds us we are mortal; that we are limited; and that we are created beings made in the image of God. Bread reminds us of gratitude to God, and about the Lord's prayer where we ask for our daily bread. The Cross is about self-denial, and has much to do with the call to discipleship, to caution us of the cost of discipleship. It entails the suffering and pain that we all experience from time to time. Coins prompt us of the various episodes in the gospels; how Jesus answered the Pharisees with regard to paying taxes; how the poor widow's donation of two copper coins exceed the giving of the rich; and the parable of the lost coin. They also warn us about the betrayal of Jesus, because of Judas Iscariot's greed and self-interests. Shoes point out the holiness of God, how Moses was specifically told to remove his shoes as he was standing on holy ground. They emphasize our mission for Christ; humility to tie other shoelaces; wearing the armour of God with shoes as instruments of peace. Oil is for anointing; for preparing our lamps in anticipation of Christ's coming; for generosity; for compassion, healing, etc. Come Holy Week, the author introduces four more objects to guide us through our Lenten journey. The Coat marks the entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. The Towel brings us back to the Upper Room where Jesus washes the disciples' feet and asks them to do the same for others. The Thorn is a reminder of the crown of thorns Jesus had to bear. Finally, Stone is about the tomb where Jesus was buried; albeit a soon-to-be- empty tomb.
The book is a delightful refresher of many biblical scenes which are familiar to many of us. Duffield shows us that it is entirely possible and fruitful to let objects point us to the teachings and ministry of Jesus; and our call to follow Him. This is a brilliant idea to use simple objects to show us the journey of Christ. We can easily expand this idea to the other occasions of the Christian year. Epiphany, Pentecost, Advent, and Christmastide! What I like about this book is the simplicity and easy availability of the everyday objects. They are not difficult to find. We can even download images of these objects on our computer desktops and use them as wallpapers as a regular reminder of our Lenten journey. The chapters are brief, exactly what devotionals ought to be. They are also framed with the typical format:
- Date of reading
- Scripture Passage
- Brief Meditation
- Questions for Reflection
- Prayer for the Day
Has the book open one's eyes and ears to see God's power and providence? Yes, for they point us to the Word of God. Has the book inspire us toward walking closer to the cross? Yes, for each day leads us closer to the entry to Jerusalem and the subsequent, death, burial, and resurrection. Are these objects able to help us pay more attention to the things and thoughts of God? Yes. They are no longer things per se, but pointers to our God of all creation. This is a wonderful devotional to read, to keep, to gift, and to journey along during the Lenten season.
Jill J. Duffield is editor of The Presbyterian Outlook. She holds an MDiv from Union Presbyterian Seminary and a DMin from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary with a concentration in preaching. She lives in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Westminster John Knox Press and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
Dust reminds us of how we have been created. This is most appropriate as Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, where believers are reminded that "ashes to ashes, dust to dust," we were created from dust, and our bodies will return to the earth as dust. Dust reminds us we are mortal; that we are limited; and that we are created beings made in the image of God. Bread reminds us of gratitude to God, and about the Lord's prayer where we ask for our daily bread. The Cross is about self-denial, and has much to do with the call to discipleship, to caution us of the cost of discipleship. It entails the suffering and pain that we all experience from time to time. Coins prompt us of the various episodes in the gospels; how Jesus answered the Pharisees with regard to paying taxes; how the poor widow's donation of two copper coins exceed the giving of the rich; and the parable of the lost coin. They also warn us about the betrayal of Jesus, because of Judas Iscariot's greed and self-interests. Shoes point out the holiness of God, how Moses was specifically told to remove his shoes as he was standing on holy ground. They emphasize our mission for Christ; humility to tie other shoelaces; wearing the armour of God with shoes as instruments of peace. Oil is for anointing; for preparing our lamps in anticipation of Christ's coming; for generosity; for compassion, healing, etc. Come Holy Week, the author introduces four more objects to guide us through our Lenten journey. The Coat marks the entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. The Towel brings us back to the Upper Room where Jesus washes the disciples' feet and asks them to do the same for others. The Thorn is a reminder of the crown of thorns Jesus had to bear. Finally, Stone is about the tomb where Jesus was buried; albeit a soon-to-be- empty tomb.
The book is a delightful refresher of many biblical scenes which are familiar to many of us. Duffield shows us that it is entirely possible and fruitful to let objects point us to the teachings and ministry of Jesus; and our call to follow Him. This is a brilliant idea to use simple objects to show us the journey of Christ. We can easily expand this idea to the other occasions of the Christian year. Epiphany, Pentecost, Advent, and Christmastide! What I like about this book is the simplicity and easy availability of the everyday objects. They are not difficult to find. We can even download images of these objects on our computer desktops and use them as wallpapers as a regular reminder of our Lenten journey. The chapters are brief, exactly what devotionals ought to be. They are also framed with the typical format:
- Date of reading
- Scripture Passage
- Brief Meditation
- Questions for Reflection
- Prayer for the Day
Has the book open one's eyes and ears to see God's power and providence? Yes, for they point us to the Word of God. Has the book inspire us toward walking closer to the cross? Yes, for each day leads us closer to the entry to Jerusalem and the subsequent, death, burial, and resurrection. Are these objects able to help us pay more attention to the things and thoughts of God? Yes. They are no longer things per se, but pointers to our God of all creation. This is a wonderful devotional to read, to keep, to gift, and to journey along during the Lenten season.
Jill J. Duffield is editor of The Presbyterian Outlook. She holds an MDiv from Union Presbyterian Seminary and a DMin from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary with a concentration in preaching. She lives in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Westminster John Knox Press and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
January 7, 2023
This book provides a devotion for every day from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. Each day has a couple of Bible verses and a reflection on the Scripture. There are three questions to ponder on and apply the teaching to our lives and closes with a prayer. Each week of Lent has one particular object as its theme up to Easter week, which has more than one.
The author has selected 10 everyday objects to draw us into Jesus’ teaching to ordinary people. This is not the miraculous healings or the big statements, but the small day-to-day observations and encounters. I found this encouraging and challenging to develop that attentiveness to see and hear God speak in our routine, mundane tasks brings such a blessing!
The author has selected 10 everyday objects to draw us into Jesus’ teaching to ordinary people. This is not the miraculous healings or the big statements, but the small day-to-day observations and encounters. I found this encouraging and challenging to develop that attentiveness to see and hear God speak in our routine, mundane tasks brings such a blessing!
February 8, 2021
Designed as a six week devotional from Ash Wednesday through to Easter Sunday.
Chapters include Bible verse, story, questions for reflection, prayer. There is some white space at the end of the third page where one could add their own thoughts if desired.
This book comes across as unpretentious. Nothing showy or flowery about it. Just the basics for a daily devotional to focus our thoughts on the meaning of the season.
Chapters include Bible verse, story, questions for reflection, prayer. There is some white space at the end of the third page where one could add their own thoughts if desired.
This book comes across as unpretentious. Nothing showy or flowery about it. Just the basics for a daily devotional to focus our thoughts on the meaning of the season.
April 12, 2020
Love, love loved this work. The items, topics, and questions Jill takes the reader through are not easy but definitely worth grappling with in the Lenten season. Thank you for this work, Jill, and for your dedication to serve and teach others.
April 12, 2020
Loved this Lenten devotional! I enjoyed the meditations themselves, but also the format and length of each day’s devotion made it a very accessible and doable book of daily readings for the forty days of Lent. Recommend!
May 4, 2020
What a thought provoking lenten read. Whatever you read about that morning, you can reflect on throughout the day because they are everyday objects. Full of Scripture and prayer to guide the process. Excellent.
August 23, 2021
Lent in Plain Sight by Jill J. Duffield. This is a lenten devotional. From Ash Wednesday to Easter. I will use this next lent. Each week in the devotional there is a new object, that Jesus would have encountered on the way to Jerusalem.
April 24, 2025
Read this excellent study with a group of close friends for Lent. Drew us closer to Jesus and each other.
April 28, 2020
An excellent Lenten devotional study that focuses on Biblical symbols/objects that help focus your daily Lenten meditation. Each lesson is brief (2-3 pages) with a scriptural lesson, devotional study, questions to consider or journal, and a daily prayer.
July 31, 2022
The remarkable thing about this book is that I don't believe you need to be a devout Christian to get something out of it.
Lent in Plain Sight focuses on specific objects that appear multiple times within the story of Jesus. The author uses those objects and the stories associated with them to start a conversation with the reader. The reader is encouraged through daily reflection questions to look at mundane objects, symbols, and events and pause for a moment of mindfulness. It isn't a direct call for change but a call to be self-aware.
In the text itself you can feel both the compassion and the conflict that exists within the author. How is one to be a good and kind person when there are so many opportunities to give in to anger, selfishness, or greed? The impossibility of achieving perfection can be discouraging but this book breaks things down into smaller pieces and allows the reader to see that small acts of kindness count. I feel better for having read this book and, religious or not, we should all take some time to reflect on how we treat other people.
Lent in Plain Sight focuses on specific objects that appear multiple times within the story of Jesus. The author uses those objects and the stories associated with them to start a conversation with the reader. The reader is encouraged through daily reflection questions to look at mundane objects, symbols, and events and pause for a moment of mindfulness. It isn't a direct call for change but a call to be self-aware.
In the text itself you can feel both the compassion and the conflict that exists within the author. How is one to be a good and kind person when there are so many opportunities to give in to anger, selfishness, or greed? The impossibility of achieving perfection can be discouraging but this book breaks things down into smaller pieces and allows the reader to see that small acts of kindness count. I feel better for having read this book and, religious or not, we should all take some time to reflect on how we treat other people.
February 17, 2020
I prefer the daily devotionals. They allow me to read as much or as little as I have time for.
I love the way this book was organized. Each day starts with a verse. Then Jill explains it and gives examples. She ends each day with thought-provoking questions to help you apply the material. Finally, she leads you in a prayer covering the topic of that day. The questions at the end of the chapter would make great conversation starters for a group or bible study.
One of my favorite verses Jill covered was Exodus 16:4, Bread for Heaven. This verse has been covered in so many bible studies and services in the past. She made it relatable to every day and it had much more impact on me.
With the daily devotionals, I always find some crumbs and at times a whole loaf of bread.
I received this galley from NetGalley.
I love the way this book was organized. Each day starts with a verse. Then Jill explains it and gives examples. She ends each day with thought-provoking questions to help you apply the material. Finally, she leads you in a prayer covering the topic of that day. The questions at the end of the chapter would make great conversation starters for a group or bible study.
One of my favorite verses Jill covered was Exodus 16:4, Bread for Heaven. This verse has been covered in so many bible studies and services in the past. She made it relatable to every day and it had much more impact on me.
With the daily devotionals, I always find some crumbs and at times a whole loaf of bread.
I received this galley from NetGalley.
February 13, 2020
A daily devotional for Lent starting with Ash Wednesday based on the Presbyterian outlook. Lent in Plain Sight covers objects that Jesus faced during his final days. Each section encourages readers to devote their time reading set scriptures and the set topic. As devotees and readers are encouraged to reflect on some questions of how your life as been before beginning the journey of Lent. We recall and reflect our daily life, have we embraced God, who have we encountered and given thanks for the time we spent with them. Each day is finished with a prayer. Lent in Plain Sight can be completed with family, friends, youth or with your faith family even alone. I would highly recommended to go through the daily devotional with someone so you can communicate any issues, thoughts and feelings during this season.
April 18, 2022
UPDATED REVIEW: This is my second time reading through this Lent devotional and still loved it. The readings are fairly short, but very thought-provoking. Loved the reflection questions and prayer at the end of each day's reading.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Finished this a little bit before Easter because I just had a baby and knew I wouldn’t have time to read it day by day with an unpredictable newborn! I did really enjoy this. I plan to buy a hard copy to keep around and read in the years to come. Each day’s reading is just long enough that’s doable but still has really great content. I recommend!
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Finished this a little bit before Easter because I just had a baby and knew I wouldn’t have time to read it day by day with an unpredictable newborn! I did really enjoy this. I plan to buy a hard copy to keep around and read in the years to come. Each day’s reading is just long enough that’s doable but still has really great content. I recommend!
January 9, 2020
A daily devotional book following the hope of Jesus. Each day starts with a verse and commentary ending with prayer and questions to reflect the hope that we have this Lent season. It is a time to lessen our anxiety and burdens about the past. A season to grow in faith and share the hope of the gospel.
A Special Thank you to Westminster John Knox Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
A Special Thank you to Westminster John Knox Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
January 16, 2020
earc from netgalley.
this is a Lenten devotional, and it was actually pretty interesting to get to read, I haven't seen very many books like it.
this is a Lenten devotional, and it was actually pretty interesting to get to read, I haven't seen very many books like it.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews