Lenten Journey with Jesus

Lent is the season when Christians are called to examine more closely the gospel story of Jesus’ journey from the wilderness to the cross, and then consider, “Where am I in my spiritual journey?” Jesus’ journey led him to self-examination during a mountain wilderness experience to self-sacrifice on a hill called Golgotha. While these two acts mark the extremes, it is what he did in between that establishes the patterns of faith living according to God’s purposes.

Christianity was born not merely by words, but actions. That's why the story of the development of the first century church is called The Acts of the Apostles. Prayer, expressions of compassion and kindness, concern for the poor and outcast, sharing the good news of God’s redemptive love — these were all acts of grace that characterized Jesus’ life and what he called his disciples to continue. His life of self-giving love and service touched and transformed people’s lives so that they chose to become transformed disciples. They became “imitators of Christ.”

The invitation that Jesus offered at the beginning of his ministry is still offered to all who would become faithful followers. ”Come, follow me.” Learning, living, and loving are the marks of faithful discipleship. Lent calls us to journey from our wilderness experiences to a life of sacrificial love. To do so, by the grace of God, restores and renews us for the challenges and opportunities of discipleship.