Shalom ...
Do you know what Lent is?
Merriam-Webster defines Lent as "the 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Easter observed by the Roman Catholic, Eastern, and some
Protestant churches as a period of penitence and fasting."
As millions prepare for Easter through 40 days of fasting and repentance, let's pause and reflect:
- Is Lent biblical?
- Is Lent really what God intended for us?
- Where did this tradition come from, and what does the Bible say?
Lent, as we know it, began around the 4th century. But you may be surprised to learn that
it isn’t directly mentioned in Scripture. While fasting itself is biblical, the tradition of Lent evolved from early practices influenced by Roman traditions. Over time, the Catholic Church—and later other denominations—formalized this period leading up to Easter.
However, did you know this man-made tradition isn’t what God originally established?
Instead of Lent, God gave us appointed feasts—biblical holidays designed to point us directly to His
redemptive plan through Jesus. These feasts carry deep meaning and symbolize His work of salvation.
I dive deeper into this in my video, Is Lent Biblical?
In modern practices, many view fasting during Lent to earn favor from God—but the Bible tells us otherwise. Fasting should be a personal act between you and God, not something done for show.
Matthew 6:17-18 reminds us:
“But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”
This directly contradicts the practice of wearing ashes on your head for Ash Wednesday.
Lent, though a common tradition, isn’t commanded by Scripture, and fasting should always be an act of humility and devotion—not a
means of gaining approval or recognition.
"Is this not the fast which I choose,
To loosen the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the bands of the yoke,
And to let the oppressed go free
And break every yoke?
7 Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry
And bring the homeless poor into the house;
When you see the naked, to cover him;
And not to hide yourself from your own
flesh?"
– Isaiah 58:6-7
Fasting isn’t just about giving up something; it’s a powerful tool to break chains and yokes that bind us, like addictions, unhealthy habits, or even emotional burdens. When we fast with a pure heart, seeking God, it’s an invitation for God to set us free, heal, and transform our lives. It’s about letting go of what holds us back, so we can step into greater freedom. Learn
how God used fasting to break the chains that food had on me here.
Let’s rediscover the rich, biblical festivals celebrations that lead us closer to
Him. These practices highlight the precious timing of Yeshua's (Jesus') sacrifice, which was on Passover—Because He is the sacrificial Lamb for us.
Ready to dive deeper into why Lent may not be what God intended and how His appointed feasts can draw us closer to Him?
Click below to uncover the truth behind
the tradition, the powerful role of fasting, and the biblical feasts that align with God’s redemptive plan.
