Our Lenten Season
In this season, let us be reminded that Lent is not just about what we give up, but about what we take on— and we are taking on a deeper relationship with God, a renewed commitment to our faith, and a heart full of love for others. As Paul wrote in Philippians 3:10, “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” Lent is an invitation to share in Christ’s suffering so that we may also share in the power of His resurrection.WEEK 1: The Beginning of the Journey – The Temptation of Jesus
Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11; 1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. 3 The tempter came to Him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every Word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”5 Then the devil took Him to the Holy city and had Him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw Yourself down. For it is written:“ ‘He will command His angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ ”7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” 8 Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if You will bow down and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from Me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’ ” 11 Then the devil left Him, and angels came and attended Him.
Theme: True Change Begins with Resistance to Temptation
Key Focus: As we enter Lent, we begin with the temptation of Christ in the wilderness. Jesus faced hunger, fear, and pride, yet He remained faithful to God’s plan. This teaches us that true change starts when we resist the temptations that try to pull us away from God’s purpose.
Reflection Questions & Scriptural Answers:
- What temptations in your life have hindered your growth in Christ?
ANSWER: 1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” - How can you use Scripture to resist temptation and stay focused on God’s will?
ANSWER: Matthew 4:4 – “Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” We resist temptation by declaring God’s truth over our lives, just as Jesus did in the wilderness.
Our Living Steps: Commit to prayer and Scripture reading as tools to resist temptation this week.
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WEEK 2: The Last Supper – The Call to Love and Serve
Scripture: John 13:1-17; 1 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for Him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. 2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under His power, and that He had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so He got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist. 5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to Him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me.” 9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” 10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For He knew who was going to betray Him, and that was why He said not every one was clean. 12 When He had finished washing their feet, He put on His clothes and returned to His place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” He asked them. 13 “You call Me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
THEME: True Change is Rooted in Humble Service
KEY FOCUS: At the Last Supper, Jesus demonstrates humility by washing the disciples’ feet, teaching us that true change comes from a heart of servanthood. We are called to love and serve others as Jesus did, showing kindness, grace, and humility.
REFECTION QUESTIONS & SCRIPTURAL ANSWERS :
- How does serving others change your heart and mind?
ANSWER: Acts 20:35 – “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” Serving others cultivates humility and transforms our attitude toward others. - Who in your life can you serve with humility this week?
ANSWER: Philippians 2:3-4 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Jesus calls us to look beyond ourselves and serve those around us selflessly.
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WEEK 3: The Garden of Gethsemane – The Struggle in Prayer
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 26:36-46; 36 Then Jesus went with His disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and He said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with Him, and He began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then He said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.” 39 Going a little farther, He fell with His face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.” 40 Then He returned to His disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with Me for one hour?” He asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may Your will be done.” 43 When He came back, He again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So He left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing. 45 Then He returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise! Let us go! Here comes My betrayer!”
THEME: True Change Involves Surrender in Prayer
KEY FOCUS: In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus wrestles with His impending death, yet He surrenders to God’s will. This moment teaches us that true change happens when we surrender our will in prayer and seek God’s strength in our struggles.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS & SCRIPTURAL ANSWERS:
- How can you pray in a way that surrenders your desires to God’s will?
ANSWER: Luke 22:42 – “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” Prayer that surrenders to God’s will is an honest expression of our struggles but ultimately chooses God’s plan over our own. - What struggles are you facing that require deep prayer and surrender?
ANSWER: Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” In struggles, we surrender by bringing our worries to God in prayer, trusting His peace to guide us.
OUR LIVING STEPS: Spend time this week in prayer, surrendering your will and asking God for strength to follow His plan.
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WEEK 4: Betrayal and Arrest – The Challenge of Staying True
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 26:47-56; 47 While He was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested Him. 51 With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53 Do you think I cannot call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” 55 In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture Me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest Me. 56 But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled.
THEME: True Change Means Staying True in the Face of Betrayal
KEY FOCUS: Judas betrays Jesus, and Peter denies Him, but Jesus remains true to His mission. Even when others fail or turn against us, true change means staying true to the path God has for us, even in the midst of betrayal and suffering.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS & SCRIPTURAL ANSWERS:
- How do you respond when others betray or disappoint you?
ANSWER: Luke 6:27-28 – “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” We are called to respond to betrayal with love and forgiveness. - What does it look like to stay true to God’s calling, even in the face of hardship?
ANSWER: Romans 12:12 – “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Staying true to God’s calling means trusting in His plan, even through difficult moments, and remaining patient in our trials.
OUR LIVING STEPS: Reflect on areas of your life where you may be tempted to betray or deny Christ. Ask God to give you the strength to remain faithful.
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WEEK 5: The Trial Before Pilate – The Silence of the Innocent
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 27:11-14; 11 Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked Him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. 12 When He was accused by the chief priests and the elders, He gave no answer. 13 Then Pilate asked Him, “Don’t You hear the testimony they are bringing against You?” 14 But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.
THEME: True Change Comes Through Silence and Self-Control
KEY FOCUS: Jesus stands trial before Pilate and remains silent in the face of false accusations. His silence is a powerful witness to the truth. Sometimes, true change involves the courage to remain silent when others accuse, insult, or misunderstand us, trusting God to defend us.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS & SCRIPTURAL ANSWERS:
- What situations in your life require you to respond with silence and self-control?
ANSWER: Proverbs 17:27-28 – “The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.” In situations where we are wronged, silence can often speak louder than words. - How can you trust God to be your defender when others accuse you wrongly?
ANSWER: Psalm 35:1 – “Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me.” When falsely accused, we can place our trust in God, knowing He will defend and protect us.
OUR LIVING STEPS: Practice restraint in situations where you are tempted to respond in anger or defensiveness. Instead, trust in God’s timing.
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WEEK 6: The Crucifixion – The Ultimate Sacrifice
SCRIPTURE: Luke 23:32-46; 32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with Him to be executed. 33 When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals—one on His right, the other on His left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His clothes by casting lots. 35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at Him. They said, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” 36 The soldiers also came up and mocked Him. They offered Him wine vinegar 37 and said, “If You are the king of the Jews, save Yourself.” 38 There was a written notice above Him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom..” 43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise.” 44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” When He had said this, He breathed His last.
THEME: True Change is Found in Christ’s Sacrifice
KEY FOCUS: On the cross, Jesus takes on the weight of our sin, offering us forgiveness and redemption. The cross is the ultimate act of sacrificial love that transforms our lives. True change is only possible through accepting His sacrifice for us.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS & SCRIPTURAL ANSWERS:
- How does the cross challenge you to change your perspective on sin and grace?
ANSWER: Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” The cross challenges us to see that our sins are serious, but God’s grace is greater than our sin. - What areas of your life do you need to bring to the cross for healing and restoration?
ANSWER: 1 Peter 2:24 – “He himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed.” We bring our burdens, guilt, and sin to the cross, where healing and restoration are found.
OUR LIVING STEPS: Reflect deeply on Christ’s sacrifice this week, asking for forgiveness for areas where you’ve fallen short, and accepting His grace anew.
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Week 7: The Resurrection – New Life in Christ
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 28:1-10; 1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell His disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him.’ Now I have told you.” 8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell His disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” He said. They came to Him, clasped His feet and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see Me.”
THEME: True Change Brings New Life
KEY FOCUS: The resurrection of Jesus marks the ultimate transformation. Through His resurrection, we are given the hope of new life, both now and for eternity. True change is not just about dying to sin, but about being raised to new life in Christ.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS & SCRIPTURAL ANSWERS:
- In what areas of your life have you experienced resurrection and new life in Christ?
ANSWER: 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” In Christ, we are made new, experiencing transformation in every part of our lives.
- How can the power of the resurrection give you hope for future transformation?
ANSWER: Romans 6:4 – “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” The resurrection empowers us to live in hope, knowing that we too will experience renewal and eternal life.
OUR LIVING STEPS: Celebrate the new life you have in Christ and look for ways to share this hope with others.
LENT CONCLUSION: Live Out True Change
May we all reflect on the ultimate transformation that Jesus’ resurrection offers. As we have journeyed through His final hours, let’s this be our hour… to encounter the truth that change is possible when we surrender to God… change is possible when we embrace His love, and change is possible when we allow the power of Christ’s sacrifice to transform us. I pray that this season of Lent has lead us to true change, rooted in the truth of Jesus’ death and resurrection.