Walking with Jesus L E N T a S a J O U R N E Y T O W a R D S R E S U R R E C T I O N

WALKING WITH JESUS L E N T A S A J O U R N E Y T O W A R D S R E S U R R E C T I O N

“A journey, a pilgrimage! Yet, as we begin it, as we make the first step into the “bright sadness” of Lent, we see - far, far away - the destination. It is the joy of Easter, it is the entrance into the glory of the Kingdom.” - Alexander Schmemann

LENT In a word: HONESTY. The word Lent comes from an Old English word that means “length”. It refers to the lengthening of daylight in Spring. As the physical world experiences an increase of light and the sprouting of new life, we are reminded that light beats darkness, and that the restoration of life is on the way.

Lent is a two-fold journey with Jesus. We walk alongside of Him during the bookends of His ministry - the Forty Days in the Desert and the Road to Golgotha. We join Jesus in the solitude of the desert temptations. We walk the road to Jerusalem. We watch with Him in prayer in Gethsemane. Along this Gospel journey, Jesus is bombarded with opportunities to go a different way, avoiding anything that looks like self denial and death on a cross. Resolutely, He says no to the tempter and yes to the Father. This is the heart behind Lent. Turning from self and sin and turning towards God and mercy. We are delighted to find God turning towards us!

The central events of the life of Christ are the crucifixion and resurrection. They are central to us as well. Those events are too profound to take in over a weekend. Nor does a week seem enough. Therefore, we have forty days of honest preparation and sober examination that end through Holy Week and precede Easter. It begins quietly with ashes on Ash Wednesday and builds dynamically as the cross and resurrection draw near. As we make space in simplifying our life and engagements, our awareness of God’s love is increased. Lent is a forty day pilgrimage that puts the Gospel in motion. MILE MARKERS

ASH WEDNESDAY In a word: RETURN. Ashes set the tone of the journey. Humility, simplicity, and sobriety call us out of our routines and towards God. Dust and ashes are symbols that remind us of our creation - being formed from the dust - and the wages of sin - death returning us to dust.

Psalm 90 says, “You turn us back to dust…Turn, O Lord!…Have compassion on your servants!” We are wise to honestly admit our rebellion and return to the God who turns to us in mercy.

PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUR JOURNEY

SELF DENIAL. The three temptations of Jesus in Luke 4 are the same three temptations we face today: Appetite/Physical Comfort, Approval/Public Acclaim, and Ambition/Political Power. In all, the Enemy offers Jesus a road that doesn't involve suffering or sacrifice.

What are some practical ways you could pivot from self gratification to self denial? Some choose to fast certain foods, others may choose to fast from screens, technology, or media. The key is asking, "does giving this up hurt?" If the answer is yes, you should consider it! Abstaining from things we take delight in creates a sacred space for God to dwell.

SIMPLICITY. Being in the wilderness with Jesus is about stripping away things that are unnecessary or extravagant. Our lives are growing increasingly more complex, and Lent provides a rhythmic season to prune things that have become distractions.

How can you simplify your life? Some people choose to edit their calendar and the number of events that say yes to. Some may limit the shopping they do, or scale back on the expensive coffee. Others remove foods of wealth (sugar, flour, diary, sweets) from their table. Be creative and experiment with what works for you.

SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES. Increased study of God's Word and prayer are two classic disciplines to take on during Lent. When combined with fasting and simplicity, our "spiritual antenna" goes higher and our "radar" pings stronger.

How might God be calling you to read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest the Words of Life? Consider picking a book of the Bible to study with a buddy. Adopt a special quiet place in a park or natural area that can be your Gethsemane. MILE MARKERS

PALM SUNDAY In a word: HOSANNA! The literal meaning of Hosanna is “Save, I pray” and is an appropriate start to Holy Week. The days following are a brief festival before the betrayal and arrest of Jesus.

This is the beginning of the holiest week of the year. As Christ the King enters the city, we follow Him and enter His suffering. We lay our coats in the road before Him, we wave our palm branches over Him, and we shout Hosanna to Him. Our welcome reminds us that the Suffering Servant is the Triumphant King. MAUNDY THURSDAY In a word: COMMAND. On the night that Christ was betrayed with a torch and a kiss, we turn our attention to the Passover meal He shared with His disciples. During His Last Supper, He instituted The Lord’s Supper. The blessed and broken bread recall His broken body and the bitter wine recalls His spilled blood. His death on the cross establishes a New Covenant.

He also gave a new commandant or mandate (the term “Maundy” comes from the Latin word for mandate) - to love one another as He has loved us.

Through Scripture reading and song, we rehearse the events of Thursday evening. Communion is celebrated and foot washing often occurs. At the conclusion, the Table is stripped of all linens, recalling the stripping of Jesus’ clothing and honor prior to crucifixion. The lighting and sounds diminish quickly, providing a “fast of the eyes and ears” as our Lord is now arrested.

Maundy Thursday is a time to renew our commitment to the New Covenant that reserves us a seat at the Table. We also renew our commitment to love another with the unselfish and sacrificial love of Jesus. MILE MARKERS

GOOD FRIDAY In a word: SACRIFICE. The term “Good Friday” is a broken translation of the earlier “God’s Friday”. The death of Jesus was holy and “good” for us, as we are benefited eternally from Christ securing our salvation.

Worship is somber and gloomy as we contemplate the Suffering Servant and the Lamb of God being sacrificed on our behalf. The fourteen “Stations of the Cross” walk us moment by moment alongside of Christ’s crucifixion. We truly "survey the wondrous cross on which the prince of glory died.” SILENT SATURDAY In a word: REST. The time of Jesus laid in the tomb is known as Silent Saturday, The Great Sabbath or Holy Saturday. After finishing the work of the cross, the body of Jesus rests in peace and silence.

Saturday is a day for quiet meditation of Christ’s death and burial. We think about Jesus lying dead in the tomb, laid there in haste. We take the time to quiet our hearts.

RESURRECTION SUNDAY In a word: TRIUMPH. As with Christmas, Easter is both a day and a season. There are seven Easter Sundays, for it takes a “week of weeks” - fifty days - to celebrate the victory of Jesus over sin, death, hell, and the grave. Colossians 2:15 says, “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public spectacle of them” and the season of Easter is a joyous time to celebrate the public triumph of Christ. In many ways, it is joining Jesus on His victory lap - for fifty days! TIME WITH GOD