During the season of Lent, many people fast from something in order to help themselves focus on the final days of Jesus’ earthly life, which include His arrest, trial, and crucifixion. However, Lent can also be a season of feasting – focusing also on the many promises of Jesus, which He made to inspire, encourage, and comfort His children.
The Gospel of John alone has many promises on which we can feast. Probably the best known is John 3:16-17 NIV, which says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”
Through this promise we have the assurance of salvation, and our future in Heaven is secure. But what about here and now? We’re not meant to merely squeak through this life, clinging desperately to the hope that we will someday go to Heaven. In John 10:10 AMP Jesus promises, “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].”
Jesus also encourages us in our everyday lives by proclaiming in John 6:36-37 MSG, “I am the Bread of life. The person who aligns with Me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever… Every person the Father gives Me eventually comes running to Me. And once that person is with Me, I hold on and don’t let go.”
The protective nature of Jesus as our good Shepherd is stated in John 10:27-29 NASB: ”My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.”
One of my favorite everyday-life promises comes from John 14:16-17, 26 ESV: “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth… the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”
Feasting on Jesus’ many wonderful promises during Lent in no way detracts from the sober realities surrounding the events of Holy Week. Rather, it can help us remember to follow the wisdom shared in Hebrews 12 NIV: “…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Lord Jesus, please help me balance sober mindfulness with joy and hope during this Lenten season as I reflect over the final chapter of Your earthly life. Thank You that suffering and death did not end Your story, but rather gave way to Your glorious resurrection and the certainty of eternal life to all who trust in You.
~ Janet Willig, writer
~ Chloe McKee, visual artist
