| Christian Life and Doctrine | February 1971 |
The First Sunday in Lent
THIS year the first Sunday in Lent is February 28. The observance of Lent is one of the traditions of denominational churches which began very early in the age—probably about the second century. The observance of Lent is not required by the Word of God. The Word “lent” originally meant simply the lengthening of the days in spring. Like the meaning of the word “Lent” itself, this traditional religious observance has undergone many changes through the centuries.
There are indications in the writings of the church fathers that Lent was probably at first a short period of time—evidently forty hours in length. This was supposed to correspond to the period of time Jesus was in the tomb. It was a severe period of fasting and discipline. Early in the seventh century Lent was lengthened to a period of forty days, probably to correspond with Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness following his baptism.
For a time after the Council of Nicea, Lent was observed by those who were planning to be baptized. For these it was a period of preparation for this rite.
Lent is supposed to be a period of self-denial and self-examination, and to the extent that these are actually practiced it is doubtless beneficial. However, the self-denial and self-examination taught in the Scriptures for the guidance of the dedicated followers of Jesus are not for a few hours or a few days or weeks each year. A Christian is to deny self all the time, and is also to keep close watch at all times over his thoughts, words, and doings.
Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Matt. 16:24) Notice that this does not refer to a refraining from the enjoyment of certain things pleasing to self, but a denial of self. This denial of self should be so complete that the Christian will not consult his own preferences as to his way of life, but look to the Lord, through his Word, to be guided in the way in which he should go. In other words, a Christian is one who has given over the rulership of his life to the Lord, and who endeavors at all times to be guided by the divine will as that will is expressed through the Word of God.
In addition to denying self, Jesus invited his followers to take up their cross and follow him. Under the Roman law in Jesus’ day the death penalty was inflicted by crucifixion, and often those who were condemned to death were compelled to carry their own cross from the judgment hall to the place of crucifixion. This was true in Jesus’ case. This meant that anyone carrying a cross, and accompanied by soldiers or officers, was known to be on his way to death.
Jesus knew of this custom, and knew also that he eventually would be crucified, so he used it as an illustration of his own sacrifice unto death; and he invited his disciples to take up their cross and follow him. Actually this means that Jesus was inviting his disciples to lay down their lives in sacrifice as he was doing.
Jesus began to sacrifice his life at the time of his baptism, and after a brief period of sacrificial ministry was actually put to death on a literal cross; but symbolically he carried that cross during the entire period of his ministry, which was a period of three and one-half years. During that time he was constantly giving himself in doing the Heavenly Father’s will, and in bestowing blessings upon others through his teaching and miracles.
So if we truly deny self, and take up our cross, it means that our lives will be lived not for self, but for the glory of God, and in the service of others, our chief service to them being the imparting of a knowledge of the glorious Gospel of the kingdom. If we have truly taken up our cross to follow Jesus it means that like him, we will be laying down our lives in sacrifice; and this sacrifice will not be complete until we have been faithful even unto death.
The Apostle Paul wrote, “I am crucified with Christ.” (Gal. 2:20) This was a symbolic crucifixion which is experienced by all dedicated followers of the Master who are faithful in denying self that their lives may be governed by the will of God. This is the self-denial of the Scriptures, and it is the way of the Christian every day of the year.