Lent is…

 

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights… (Matthew 4:1-2 NIV)

According to Dictionary.com, Lent is the period of forty weekdays lasting from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday, observed as a time of penance and fasting commemorating Jesus' fasting in the wilderness. (see Matthew 4:1-11)

This is a rather very generic definition of Lent and several other dictionaries and publications use similar wording, but Lent is so much more than that.

Lent is a time when we ought to reflect deeply upon the Passion, Crucifixion, Resurrection and even the ascension of Jesus Christ.

Lent is a time for us to take an honest review of our Christian walk which should not just be confined to forty days but spill over into the entire year and beyond; it is a lifelong process of conversion.

Beloved, your walk with God means choosing mercy over indifference and courage over silence and Jesus’ time in the wilderness must be your example of what your spiritual journey should look like.

Let’s look at some other aspects of what Lent is…

Lent presses us to examine the substance of our allegiance

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23 NIV)

Lent clarifies where devotion rests

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33 NIV)

Lent reminds us that trust in God is expressed through trust in one another

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2 NIV)

Lent strengthens patience that is rooted in promise

This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. (Habakkuk 2:3 NLT)

Lent trains us to respond to fear with remembered faithfulness

But when I am afraid, I will put my confidence in you. Yes, I will trust the promises of God. And since I am trusting him, what can mere man do to me? (Psalm 56:3-4 TLB)

Lent invites us to live faith through action

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (James 2:17 NIV)

Lent forms people who seek healing for the world God loves

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV)

Beloved, Lent is a time of reflection, repentance, renewal and restoration; it is a perfect time to become grounded in truth, sustained by grace, and open toward the future God continues to form.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “Lent is…” ©2026 March 9, 2026

(some parts used with permission from Revd Mark Robinson)