Lent 2026: “I AM”
During Lent 2026, we will journey through the “I AM” statements of Jesus — the bold, beautiful declarations that reveal who He truly is.
“I am the Bread of Life.”
“I am the Light of the World.”
“I am the Good Shepherd.”
“I am the Resurrection and the Life.”
These are not metaphors meant to inspire us. They are identity claims. They are windows into the mystery of Christ — fully human, fully divine.
Lent can easily become inward-focused: what we’re giving up, what habits we’re fixing, how we’re becoming better. But the cross was not a private event. It was for the world.
The claims Jesus makes about Himself are not just invitations to personal growth — they reshape how we live, serve, love, and bear witness in our community.
If Jesus is the Light of the World, how do we walk as people of light?
If He is the Good Shepherd, how do we care for others?
If He is the True Vine, what fruit should grow in us?
Our hope is that as we listen to Jesus declare who He is, we will not only deepen our understanding — we will allow His identity to shape ours.
Because Lent is not about becoming a better version of ourselves.
It is about abiding in the One who says, “I AM.”
A Journey Together
This Lent, we will journey through the “I AM” statements of Jesus — the powerful words He used to reveal who He is and what that means for us. Each week, your group will watch a short teaching video, work through a guided discussion, and reflect on how these declarations shape not only our faith, but our lives together. As we move toward the cross and resurrection, we will hold together the mystery of Jesus — fully human and fully divine — and consider how His identity transforms the way we live in the world.
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Week 1 Video
Jesus declares, “I am the Bread of Life.” This week, we explore what it means to come to Him as our true source of satisfaction, trusting that only He can meet the deepest hunger of our hearts.
Jesus declares, “I am the Bread of Life.” This week, we explore what it means to come to Him as our true source of satisfaction, trusting that only He can meet the deepest hunger of our hearts.
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Week 1 Study Guide
As Jesus declares, “I am the Bread of Life,” we are invited to examine where we seek satisfaction and sustenance. This week’s study guides us to trust Christ as the One who alone nourishes and sustains us.
As Jesus declares, “I am the Bread of Life,” we are invited to examine where we seek satisfaction and sustenance. This week’s study guides us to trust Christ as the One who alone nourishes and sustains us.
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Week 1 Practices
Alongside the teaching and discussion, each week includes a spiritual practice to help you embody what you’re learning. These intentional rhythms are meant to carry the truth of Jesus’ words into your daily life throughout Lent.
Alongside the teaching and discussion, each week includes a spiritual practice to help you embody what you’re learning. These intentional rhythms are meant to carry the truth of Jesus’ words into your daily life throughout Lent.
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Week 1 Podcast
Kirk and Debby reflect further on what it means to trust Christ as the Bread of Life, discussing both theological depth and daily application. Listen throughout the week as a way to continue growing in this first step of our Lenten journey.
Kirk and Debby reflect further on what it means to trust Christ as the Bread of Life, discussing both theological depth and daily application. Listen throughout the week as a way to continue growing in this first step of our Lenten journey.
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Week 2 Video
Jesus declares, “I am the Light of the World,” offering guidance, clarity, and hope in the midst of darkness. This week, we explore what it means to follow Him faithfully and walk in His light.
Jesus declares, “I am the Light of the World,” offering guidance, clarity, and hope in the midst of darkness. This week, we explore what it means to follow Him faithfully and walk in His light.
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Week 2 Study Guide
This week’s study invites us to reflect on where we experience darkness—confusion, fear, sin, or uncertainty—and how Christ’s light speaks into those places. Together, we’ll consider how following Jesus changes the way we see, live, and lead.
This week’s study invites us to reflect on where we experience darkness—confusion, fear, sin, or uncertainty—and how Christ’s light speaks into those places. Together, we’ll consider how following Jesus changes the way we see, live, and lead.
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Week 2 Practices
This week’s spiritual practice will help you intentionally step into the light of Christ in a practical way. As you engage this rhythm, you’ll be invited to let His light shape both your inner life and your outward witness.
This week’s spiritual practice will help you intentionally step into the light of Christ in a practical way. As you engage this rhythm, you’ll be invited to let His light shape both your inner life and your outward witness.
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Week 2 Podcast
In this week’s conversation, Kirk and Debby unpack what it means for Jesus to be the Light of the World and how that truth intersects with everyday life. Their discussion offers thoughtful reflection and encouragement as you continue walking through Lent.
In this week’s conversation, Kirk and Debby unpack what it means for Jesus to be the Light of the World and how that truth intersects with everyday life. Their discussion offers thoughtful reflection and encouragement as you continue walking through Lent.
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Week 3 Video
In John 10, Jesus declares, “I am the Door” and “I am the Good Shepherd,” revealing Himself as both the way to safety and the One who lovingly leads and protects His people. This week, we explore what it means to trust His voice and rest in His care.
In John 10, Jesus declares, “I am the Door” and “I am the Good Shepherd,” revealing Himself as both the way to safety and the One who lovingly leads and protects His people. This week, we explore what it means to trust His voice and rest in His care.
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Week 3 Study Guide
This week’s study invites us to reflect on where we look for security, belonging, and guidance. Together, we’ll consider how entering through Christ and following His voice shapes our identity and our daily obedience.
This week’s study invites us to reflect on where we look for security, belonging, and guidance. Together, we’ll consider how entering through Christ and following His voice shapes our identity and our daily obedience.
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Week 3 Practices
This week’s spiritual practice will help you listen more intentionally for the voice of the Good Shepherd. As you engage this rhythm, you’ll be invited to surrender areas of self-reliance and trust more fully in His leadership.
This week’s spiritual practice will help you listen more intentionally for the voice of the Good Shepherd. As you engage this rhythm, you’ll be invited to surrender areas of self-reliance and trust more fully in His leadership.
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Week 3 Podcast
Kirk and Debby continue the conversation by unpacking what it means for Jesus to be both the Door and the Good Shepherd. Through thoughtful and conversational reflection, they explore how His protection and sacrifice bring both assurance and challenge.
Kirk and Debby continue the conversation by unpacking what it means for Jesus to be both the Door and the Good Shepherd. Through thoughtful and conversational reflection, they explore how His protection and sacrifice bring both assurance and challenge.
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Week 4 Video
Jesus declares, “I am the Resurrection and the Life,” speaking hope into the reality of death and loss. This week, we reflect on what it means to trust Him not only for eternal life, but for new life even now.
Jesus declares, “I am the Resurrection and the Life,” speaking hope into the reality of death and loss. This week, we reflect on what it means to trust Him not only for eternal life, but for new life even now.
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Week 4 Study Guide
In this week’s study, we explore Jesus’ encounter with Martha and the tension between grief and belief. Together, we’ll consider how faith in Christ reshapes the way we face suffering, loss, and uncertainty.
In this week’s study, we explore Jesus’ encounter with Martha and the tension between grief and belief. Together, we’ll consider how faith in Christ reshapes the way we face suffering, loss, and uncertainty.
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Week 4 Practices
This week’s spiritual practice invites you to bring areas of grief, disappointment, or weariness honestly before the Lord. As you do, you’ll be encouraged to trust Jesus as the One who brings life where we least expect it.
This week’s spiritual practice invites you to bring areas of grief, disappointment, or weariness honestly before the Lord. As you do, you’ll be encouraged to trust Jesus as the One who brings life where we least expect it.
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Week 5 Video
Jesus declares, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” making a bold claim about who He is and how we come to the Father. This week, we explore what it means to trust Christ as our path, our foundation, and our source of life.
Jesus declares, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” making a bold claim about who He is and how we come to the Father. This week, we explore what it means to trust Christ as our path, our foundation, and our source of life.
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Week 5 Study Guide
This week’s study invites us to reflect on the exclusivity and invitation within Jesus’ words. Together, we’ll consider how following Him as the Way, anchoring ourselves in His Truth, and receiving His Life shapes our faith and witness.
This week’s study invites us to reflect on the exclusivity and invitation within Jesus’ words. Together, we’ll consider how following Him as the Way, anchoring ourselves in His Truth, and receiving His Life shapes our faith and witness.
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Week 5 Practices
This week’s spiritual practice will help you examine where you may be seeking direction or truth apart from Christ. As you engage it, you’ll be invited to realign your heart and habits with Jesus as the One who leads and sustains you.
This week’s spiritual practice will help you examine where you may be seeking direction or truth apart from Christ. As you engage it, you’ll be invited to realign your heart and habits with Jesus as the One who leads and sustains you.
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Week 6 Video
Jesus declares, “I am the True Vine,” inviting His followers into a life of abiding dependence. This week, we explore what it means to remain in Him and bear fruit that reflects His life in us.
Jesus declares, “I am the True Vine,” inviting His followers into a life of abiding dependence. This week, we explore what it means to remain in Him and bear fruit that reflects His life in us.
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Week 6 Study Guide
In this final week of our study, we reflect on Jesus’ call to abide and the promise of lasting fruit. Together, we’ll consider how staying connected to Christ shapes our character, our relationships, and our witness.
In this final week of our study, we reflect on Jesus’ call to abide and the promise of lasting fruit. Together, we’ll consider how staying connected to Christ shapes our character, our relationships, and our witness.
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Week 6 Practices
This week’s spiritual practice will help you slow down and intentionally remain with Christ in the midst of daily life. As you engage it, you’ll be invited to cultivate habits that deepen connection rather than productivity.
This week’s spiritual practice will help you slow down and intentionally remain with Christ in the midst of daily life. As you engage it, you’ll be invited to cultivate habits that deepen connection rather than productivity.
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Meet Your Guides on this Lenten Journey
Pastor Kirk Sexton
Associate Pastor for Discipleship, Mountain View Presbyterian Church
Kirk, our Associate Pastor for Discipleship, brings a deep passion for guiding others in their journey as apprentices of Jesus. After a successful career in the business world, Kirk felt called to ministry while leading a Bible study. This newfound love for teaching led him to Fuller Theological Seminary, where his desire to deepen his knowledge of God’s Word evolved into a clear calling to pastoral ministry. He earned his M.Div. and has since served in various churches, with a focus on Christian education, before joining Mountain View.
Originally from Minnesota, Kirk is an avid Minnesota Vikings fan and enjoys crafting the perfect fantasy football team. He is also passionate about fishing and photography, finding joy in capturing life’s beautiful moments.
Kirk and his wife Shelly share their love of the Vikings with their three daughters—Alicia, Kylie, and Lily. Whether meeting with members of the congregation over lunch or bringing characters to life for Vacation Bible School, Kirk is always eager to connect with others. Known affectionately around the church as the "Pastor of Fun," he embraces this title with enthusiasm, making discipleship an engaging and joyful experience.
Debby DeBernardi
Spiritual Director
Debby DeBernardi began her interest in nursing and soul care in her preschool years from her relationship with her grandmother and God. As her own relationship with Christ grew, so did her opportunities in leadership, teaching and ministry in both the medical and ministry fields. Her saying continues to be nothing happens outside of relationship. Moving from the midwest to AZ she has had the honor of being a head nurse, clinical nursing instructor, and an adjunct professor at Fuller Seminary SW. She has been on a church staff of a large church, a small missional church and a mid-size church in her over 40 years of ministry. It was her background in nursing that God used to reveal the spiritual custody battle for the soul of the child and a vision for the spiritual formation of all ages. Later, while on staff of a large church, for her own spiritual growth and vitality, she completed a two year experiential program for spiritual direction and formation from 2005-2007. Her present ministry offers spiritual accompaniment in many facets of life and ministry including retreats, spiritual direction with adults, couples and children. She also volunteers on the board of Music Serving the Word and the board of KidZ at Heart International as Director of Spiritual Formation. Her education includes an undergraduate degree from Illinois Wesleyan University, graduate work in nursing education at Arizona State University and masters degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. Her certificate in spiritual direction was from CFDM (Christian Formation and Direction Ministries in CA. She and her husband Gary reside in AZ and love being involved with their two married adult daughters, son-in-laws, and eight amazing grandchildren.