Lent is the solemn liturgical season prior to Easter on the Christian liturgical calendar. It lasts forty days to remind us of the time Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness prior to being tempted by Satan before beginning his public ministry. The purpose of Lent is to draw near to God and make progress in the Christian faith. Lent is observed by many denominations. It begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter morning. (However, technically it ends on Maundy Thursday.) This year, Ash Wednesday is February 18 and Easter is April 5. It has been said, Lent is a time to go into the wilderness with the Lord.
In this blog, I what to give you three principles you need to remember during this sacred season. Each one is illustrated in John 1:43-51, the calling of Nathanael. These thoughts are not original. They came from United Methodist clergyman James W. Moore (1938-2019). This is principle number one.
Lent is a time to be honest. Our reading is early in Jesus’ earthly ministry. As a matter of fact, he only has three disciples. They are Simon, Andrew and Philip. It is Philip who told Nathanael about Jesus. Verse forty-five says, “Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” That fact is not surprising. Studies tell us 90% of all people who accept Christ are introduced to him by an acquaintance. Nathanael’s response with brutally honest, it exposes his humanity. It is filled with human pride and arrogance. Verse forty-six says, “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Still today, every community has a stigma. Lent is a time to be honest. It is a time to be honest with the people in your life, honest with God and honest with yourself. Self-honesty is challenging.
Self-honesty looks past personal biases, defenses and illusions to confront uncomfortable truths, ultimately fostering growth, better relationships and mental health. In the fourth century monastic monks lived in the Egyptian desert and practiced self-honesty. They would bring their shortcomings back to the Abby and share them with their brothers. The entire community supported one another. They illustrate for us the Christian faith was never meant to be lived in isolation. We need one another when we deal with self-honesty. Lent is a time to be honest. This is the second principle.
History tells us one night the founder of the great Methodist movement John Wesley (1703-1791) was once robbed. The thief was disappointed in his small take and turned to run away. Wesley told him to stop and said to him, “I have something more to give you.” The surprised robber paused. “My friend,” said Wesley, “you may live to regret this sort of life. If you ever do, here’s something to remember: ‘The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin!'” The thief hurried away, and Wesley prayed that his words might bear fruit. Years later, Wesley was greeting people after a Sunday service when he was approached by a stranger. That stranger was the one-time robber. He had been transformed. Now a believer in Christ, he was a successful businessman. He said, “I owe it all to you.” Wesley responded, “Oh no, my friend, not to me, but to the precious blood of Christ that cleanses us from all sin!” This is principle number two.
Lent is a time to experience Jesus for yourself. Philip told Nathanael about Jesus, but he was not impressed. He tries to dismiss Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. Philip doesn’t argue with him, but he does encourage him to experience Jesus for himself. In verse forty-six Philip says, “come and see.” Once Nathanael experienced Jesus for himself everything changed. God has no grandchildren, only children. Lent is a time to experience Jesus for yourself.
One of the greatest names in world history is Michelangelo (1475-1564). He is remembered for his great works of art. When he was ordered to paint the Sistine Chapel, he refused. He didn’t consider himself a great painter; he saw himself primarily as a sculptor. He was told his refusal would not be accepted. When he discovered that there was no alternative without unpleasant consequences, he mixed his colors and went to work, creating one of the world’s finest murals. No one was more surprised than Michelangelo. Like Michelangelo, few realize their full potential, but Jesus recognizes our full potential. Jesus is more interested in what we can become, than what we are. This is principle number three.
Lent is a time of redemption. Go back to the text with me. Philip told Nathanael about Jesus, but he wasn’t impressed. He wasn’t impressed until he met Jesus for himself. Jesus knew more about him then was humanly possible. However, what was more important was that Jesus was impressed with Nathanael because he saw him standing under the fig tree. Why is that important? Jews stood under the fig tree for two reasons. First, they went for shade. Second, they went under the fig tree to meditate on God’s word and pray. Jesus was impressed with Nathanael and saw his full potential. Jesus sees our full potential. Lent is a time of redemption. Let me ask you the question again.
Are you going to be any closer to Jesus in forty days then you are right now? Lent is a journey. It is a journey that will take forty days to complete. If you want to be closer to Jesus in forty days, then remember these three things. First, Lent is a time to be honest. Be honest with yourself. Second, Lent is a time experience Jesus for yourself. No one can experience Jesus for you. Third, Lent is a time of redemption. Hiding inside of you is the person God intended from the very beginning. Are you going to be any closer to Jesus in forty days then you are right now? The answer all depends on you.
Russ Adams 