Lent is a special season when Christians prepare their hearts for Easter. For 40 days, many people pray more, give up something they enjoy, and think about their relationship with God. While the word "Lent" isn't in the Bible, the practices of fasting, prayer, and turning away from sin are found throughout Scripture. These verses help guide us during this important time of spiritual growth.
Jesus's 40 Days in the Wilderness
The 40 days of Lent remind us of when Jesus spent 40 days in the desert. This is the most important biblical connection to the Lenten season. Jesus fasted and prayed to prepare for His ministry.
"Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry."
— Matthew 4:1-2
Jesus chose to fast for 40 days before starting His ministry. This shows us that taking time to pray and deny ourselves can prepare us for important work God has for us. During Lent, Christians follow Jesus's example by spending time in prayer and fasting.
"Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry."
— Luke 4:1-2
Luke tells us that Jesus was "full of the Holy Spirit" during this time. Fasting and prayer don't earn us God's favor, but they do help us focus on spiritual things instead of physical things. This makes us more aware of God's presence.
The Call to Repentance
Lent is a time to think about our sins and turn back to God. The Bible calls this repentance. It means feeling sorry for wrong things we've done and choosing to live differently.
"'Even now,' declares the Lord, 'return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.' Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love."
— Joel 2:12-13
God wants us to have real change in our hearts, not just do religious actions. "Rend your heart and not your garments" means God cares more about our inner feelings than our outer actions. During Lent, we should think deeply about our relationship with God and truly want to change.
"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
This verse gives us a four-step process: humble ourselves, pray, seek God, and turn from sin. These are exactly what Lent is about. When we do these things, God promises to hear us and forgive us.
Understanding the 40-Day Pattern
The number 40 appears many times in the Bible as a time of testing, preparation, or change. Moses was on Mount Sinai for 40 days. The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years. Elijah traveled 40 days to reach Mount Horeb. Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness.
These 40-day periods were times when people grew closer to God and prepared for what He had planned for them. Lent follows this biblical pattern.
Biblical Teachings on Fasting
Many Christians give up something during Lent as a form of fasting. The Bible has a lot to say about the right way and wrong way to fast.
"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, except to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
— Matthew 6:16-18
Jesus teaches us that fasting should be between us and God, not a way to show off to other people. The goal isn't to look holy. The goal is to grow closer to God. During Lent, our focus should be on God, not on getting praise from others.
"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?"
— Isaiah 58:6-7
God wants fasting to change how we treat others. It's not enough to just skip meals. Real fasting should make us more caring and generous. During Lent, we should look for ways to help people who are hurting or in need.
Fasting with the Right Attitude
The Bible shows us that what matters most is why we fast, not just that we fast.
"Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered, I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother. I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother."
— Psalm 35:13-14
David connected fasting with deep prayer and concern for others. Fasting isn't just about giving up food. It's about making space in our lives to pray more and care more about what God cares about.
Prayer and Drawing Near to God
Lent is a time when many people pray more than usual. Prayer is how we talk to God and listen to Him.
"Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
— James 4:8
When we make an effort to get closer to God, He responds by drawing near to us. Lent is a perfect time to do this. By setting aside extra time for prayer and giving up distractions, we create space for God in our daily lives.
"The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth."
— Psalm 145:18
God promises to be near when we call on Him honestly. During Lent, we can be completely honest with God about our struggles, our sins, and our need for Him. He will meet us right where we are.
Self-Denial and Following Jesus
When we give something up for Lent, we practice self-denial. Jesus taught that following Him requires denying ourselves.
"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
Jesus calls us to deny ourselves every day, not just during Lent. But Lent gives us a focused time to practice this. When we give up something we like, we learn to put Jesus first instead of our own comfort.
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
— Galatians 2:20
Paul explains that the Christian life is about dying to ourselves and letting Christ live through us. Lent helps us practice this truth. By giving up things we want, we make room for what God wants in our lives.
What Should I Give Up for Lent?
The Bible doesn't tell us exactly what to give up during Lent. Some people give up certain foods. Others give up social media, TV, or video games. The key is to choose something that will help you focus more on God.
Ask yourself: "What takes up a lot of my time or attention that could be used for prayer instead?" or "What do I rely on for happiness instead of relying on God?" Whatever you choose, make sure the goal is to grow closer to God, not just to prove how strong you are.
Looking Forward to Easter
Lent isn't meant to make us sad forever. It's meant to prepare our hearts to celebrate Easter with more joy and meaning.
"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."
— Isaiah 53:5
During Lent, we think about Jesus's sacrifice. This verse from Isaiah, written hundreds of years before Jesus, tells us that He suffered for our sins. Lent helps us appreciate what Jesus did for us on the cross.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
— John 3:16
This famous verse reminds us why Jesus came to earth. Lent helps us think deeply about God's incredible love for us. By the time Easter arrives, we're ready to celebrate with grateful hearts.
Practical Application for Today
How can we observe Lent in a way that honors God and follows the Bible? Here are some important principles:
- Focus on your heart, not just rules: God cares more about real change in your heart than following traditions perfectly. Make sure your Lenten practices bring you closer to God.
- Be humble and private: Jesus taught us not to show off when we fast or pray. Keep your Lenten practices between you and God as much as possible.
- Add, don't just subtract: While giving something up is important, also add spiritual practices. Spend the time you save reading the Bible, praying, or helping others.
- Remember the goal: Lent isn't about being miserable. It's about preparing your heart to celebrate Jesus's death and resurrection with deeper understanding and joy.
- Practice grace: If you mess up during Lent, don't give up. God's grace is bigger than our mistakes. Just start again.
Lent as a Journey with Jesus
Think of Lent as a 40-day journey with Jesus toward the cross and then toward the empty tomb. Each day, we walk with Him, learning to deny ourselves and follow Him more closely. The small sacrifices we make help us understand just a little bit of what Jesus sacrificed for us.
By the time we reach Easter Sunday, our hearts are ready to celebrate. We've taken time to think about our sins, turn away from them, and remember why we needed a Savior. This makes Easter even more meaningful and joyful.
Conclusion
While the Bible doesn't mention "Lent" by name, it strongly supports the spiritual practices that make up this season. Fasting, prayer, repentance, and self-denial are all biblical ways to grow closer to God. The 40 days of Lent follow the pattern Jesus set when He spent 40 days in the wilderness preparing for His ministry.
Whether you're part of a church that observes Lent or you're discovering it for the first time, the biblical principles are clear. God wants us to turn to Him with our whole hearts. He wants us to be honest about our sins and truly repent. He calls us to deny ourselves and follow Jesus.
As you observe Lent this year, remember that the goal is not to impress God or other people. The goal is to prepare your heart. When Easter morning comes and we celebrate Jesus rising from the dead, may our hearts be ready to worship Him with joy, gratitude, and a deeper faith than we had before.