Is Lent Biblical? Plus A Free 40-Day Study of Mark
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Just a few months ago, we joyfully celebrated the birth of our Savior amidst the enchanting season of Christmas. The air was filled with warmth, joy, and the spirit of giving. Now, as the echoes of Christmas carols fade, we purposefully shift our focus to a more contemplative period.
We enter into the seasons of Lent, Passover, Palm Sunday, and Easter. It’s a time to transition from the jubilant festivities of Christmas to a reflective season, contemplating the profound sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross.
But hold on! You might be asking, ‘Should we be practicing Lent?’ It’s a valid question, and in this post, I’ll delve into the history of Lent, explore why Protestant Christians might find value in embracing this practice, and provide practical steps to incorporate this discipline into your life.
At the end of this post, I will also share a FREE PRINTABLE read-along study of the Gospel of Mark.
What is Lent?
Let’s do a quick history lesson. Lent was first recorded in 325AD, roughly 290 years after Christ was crucified. During this time, the Church established a universal date for celebrating Easter and instituted the practice of Lent.
Lent is 40 days marked by fasting, repentance, and reflection. It begins on Ash Wednesday and extends until Easter Sunday. Although there are 47 days between those two holidays, the fasting period lasts 40 days, with Sundays not included in the practice.
The timeframe of Lent symbolically mirrors the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness. Before he began his ministry, Jesus set aside a time and space for communing with his Father.
Lent serves as a focused time of meditation in the weeks leading up to Easter. It provides a deliberate opportunity for self-reflection and spiritual growth.
A quick Google search of Lent will bring up a vast array of articles from Protestants and Catholics alike. There are strong feelings from both camps on why Christians should/should not practice Lent.
Should I celebrate Lent?
In my Statement of Faith, I emphasized the principles of unity and liberty within the body of Christ. The redeeming blood of Christ provides us with immense freedom. The Law does not bind us like the Jewish people of the Old Testament, rather our salvation is rooted entirely in Jesus’ death on the cross.
As believers, we each have our convictions on how God has called us to live. While some may choose to refrain from certain practices, such as alcohol consumption or specific forms of media, others may engage in moderation. It’s crucial to recognize that personal convictions play a role in shaping our lives within the context of salvation.
The absence of a direct command in scripture to practice Lent doesn’t diminish the expectation for believers to engage in the discipline of fasting. Setting aside time for reflection on God’s nature, His saving grace, and repentance from sin during the weeks leading up to Easter is a meaningful way to spend the Lenten season.
While the choice to celebrate Lent remains a matter of personal conviction, the communal aspect of fasting during Lent can have a profound impact not only on individuals but on the entire body of believers. Fasting together as a church fosters unity, allowing us to approach the Father with one voice, one heart, and one mind.
How can I practice Lent?
If you’ve never practiced Lent or fasting before, let’s explore some insights from Scripture on how we can engage in biblical fasting during this time of year.
Understanding Biblical Fasting
While Scripture doesn’t explicitly outline the specific practice of Lenten fasting, it consistently features the discipline of fasting throughout the Old and New Testaments. Fasting, in biblical terms, generally involves refraining from food as a means to deepen our dependence on God. In an interview, John Piper described fasting as such:
Fasting is a temporary renunciation of something that is in itself good, like food, in order to intensify our expression of need for something greater — namely, God and his work in our lives.
Today, we can take the practice of fasting and apply it to different areas of our lives. This act of self-discipline is not about deprivation but about redirecting our focus towards God.
Some may choose to fast from specific meals or foods, while others might opt for a technology or social media fast. The key is to identify areas in our lives that may hinder our spiritual growth and intentionally surrender them.
The time typically spent on everyday activities—eating lunch, watching TV, scrolling on TikTok—can transform into a time of intentional connection with Christ, making the studying of the Bible, praying, and meditating on the goodness of God the priority of our hearts.
I feel that Dave Mathis painted a beautiful picture when he wrote:
In fasting, we confess we are not home yet, and remember that we are not homeless. In fasting, we cry out to our Groom, and remember that we have his covenant promises. In fasting, we confess our lack, and remember that the one with every resource has pledged his help in his perfect timing.
Fasting has everything to do with taking the things we rely on to thrive, surrendering them back to God, and instead placing our reliance on him.
Rules for Fasting
In Matthew 6:5-18, Jesus teaches us how to fast as part of his instructions on how we are to pray. Prayer and fasting go hand-in-hand.
And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.
It’s crucial to examine our hearts before we fast and analyze our intentions. This practice requires a personal and humble approach, avoiding dramatic public display for the whole world to see.
Another important observation found in Matthew and Luke, is that Jesus discussed fasting as a general expectation of his disciples. He chose to use the word WHEN instead of IF, and WILL instead of might. Jesus expected his disciples to fast, and he expected us to as well.
There are numerous references to fasting throughout scripture. In the Old Testament, we see individuals and nations fasting for various reasons – in decision-making processes, during difficult times, and in repentance.
I strongly encourage you to read, study, and pray over these passages as you decide if and how you want to practice Lent. Engaging in thoughtful reflection on these biblical examples will enrich your understanding and guide your decision-making during this Lenten season.
In decision making: Acts 13:1-3, 14:21-25, Judges 20:26
In difficult times: 2 Samuel 1:11-12, Daniel 10:1-3, Esther 4:16, Ezra 8:21-23
In repentance: Nehemiah 9:1-4, Joel 1, Jonah 3
Old Testament instruction: Isaiah 58
Jesus Teachings: Luke 5:33-38, Matthew 6:5-18
Free Printable: 40-day Reading in Mark
Are you ready to prepare for Lent?
I am thrilled to extend an invitation for you to join me in fasting and praying this Lent. I have created a special FREEBIE—a 40-day reading journey through the Gospel of Mark.
What's included?
- Scripture Exploration: Immerse yourself in the powerful narrative of the Gospel of Mark.
- Spiritual Growth: Engage in prayer and reflection, deepening your connection with God.
- 40-Day Commitment: A structured reading plan to guide you through each day of Lent.
Free Printable for You:
To make this journey accessible and organized, I’ve prepared a FREE printable for you! This includes a daily chart and journal pages to help you navigate through the Book of Mark with intentionality.
The journal pages follow the SOAP method of scripture study—Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer.
Why Mark?
Mark’s Gospel offers a unique perspective on the life, teachings, and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This Lenten season, let’s collectively delve into the vivid narrative of Mark together.
Reflections:
It’s crucial to note that while Lent itself is not commanded in Scripture, the practice of fasting is explicitly encouraged. Jesus Himself spoke of fasting, emphasizing the sincerity and humility of heart that accompanies such practices.
As we engage in Lenten practices, let us do so with a sincere desire to draw nearer to God, reflecting on His mercy, and anticipating the joy of Easter morning.
In this season of Lent, may we stir our hearts, renew our spirits, and strengthen our connection with God as we journey together toward the celebration of Christ’s resurrection.
What are your experiences with Lent? I’d love to continue the conversation with you either below in the comments section, or you can send me an email!
