Although not a question I have received this year, for many Christians, Lent is a mystery. For some, it is simply a period of going on a diet; for others Lent is a time when their Catholic friends wear ashes on their foreheads and eat fish on Fridays. Although many evangelicals are attracted to Lent, few know much about the Lenten season.
Although, the word “Lent” is not found in the Bible, nor are we commanded to observe this season, I believe this is an important time in the life of the Christian and the Church. Let’s answer a few questions about this special time.
What is Lent?
Lent is the forty-day season of preparation before Easter. It starts on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday.
Lent is the forty-day season of preparation before Easter. It starts on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday.
Why 40 days?
Because, Jesus fasted and was tempted in the wilderness for 40 days. (See Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13 and Luke 4:1-13). However, just to confuse things, Lent is actually 46 days rather than 40 days.
What is the purpose of Lent?
Lent is designed to be a season of fasting, self-denial, Christian growth, penitence, conversion, and simplicity. Lent comes from the Germanic word for springtime, and can be viewed as a “spiritual spring cleaning”, or a time for taking a spiritual inventory and cleaning out those things which hinder our relationships with and service to Christ.
Why do people give things up for Lent?
Lent is a time for serious, disciplined self-examination, a time spent in prayer and repentance before the cross of Calvary. In Scripture (I Samuel 7:6, I Kings 21, Ezra 8) fasting is often connected with times of repentance and prayer. Fasting means abstaining from all food and drink for a period of time. However it can also mean going on a disciplined diet, or simply giving up anything that you normally consume. This reminds us Who is in control and also reminds you to spend time in prayer when your belly growls or you see the things you have given up. Sunday, the Lord's Day, should never be a day of fasting, but a day of celebration! So each Sunday we suspend our Lenten disciplines and celebrate. Lent is 40 "fasting" days spread out over a total of 46 days beginning on Ash Wednesday.
Why do people eat fish on Fridays?
Traditionally Catholics fast on Good Friday, and traditionally eat fish and not meat on Fridays during Lent. This tradition could stem from a couple of reasons. Some say that giving up meat was forgoing a luxury, as it was rare for most people to have. However a better explanation can been seen in the history of the Catholic Church. From the early days of Christianity, they were forbidden to eat meat every Friday (and, depending where they live, still are).
Why Friday? Because this is the day that Christ died, so abstaining from the shedding (and consuming) of blood seemed appropriate to many. It was also on a Friday (otherwise known as the sixth day) where God created animals. As a result it was believed that abstaining from meat is a symbolic "stay of execution" for cows, pigs, and sheep--just as the cross saves us from eternal death. Good Friday is also considered a fast day, where one goes without the usual luxuries as a form of penance, purification and remembrance of God's laws. This idea has morphed into the large fish fries we see today.
In every case, it is a time for serious, disciplined self-examination, a time spent in intensive prayer and repentance before the cross of Calvary. Let us, during this season, take time to consider our need for Christ, and how fresh our relationship with Him is.
“Yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” 2 Corinthians 7:9–10
Gifts of the Passion” ~ Starting Wednesday, March 9th 7:00 - 8:00PM
Join us this Lenten season as we survey the Cross of Calvary and discover the priceless gifts given to us by Christ at the Cross. Our study will be based on Max Lucado’s Book “He Chose the Nails.” Cost for the book is about $13.00. Please let Pastor Eric or the Church office know if you want to order one. Although purchasing a book is not necessary to come to the services, Max’s writing will encourage you greatly, strengthen your soul, and deepen your walk through the Lenten Season.
