What is the meaning and significance of Lent?

from the old testament

• Fasting was an early established practice for seeking God. The heart of fasting is the denial of real needs, such as food, to demonstrate one’s even greater need for God. Because of this, fasts were not intended to be on a recurring schedule. Rather, they were observed when one strongly desired God’s help.
• For example, when the Jewish people began returning to the land of Israel, Ezra commanded a fast to ask for God’s help on the journey. He said, “Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods” (Ezra 8:21). That journey was particularly treacherous. Ezra explained why the fast at that point: “For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, ‘The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him. So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty” (Ezra 8:22–23). Rather than trust the king’s army for protection, he was displaying trust in Israel’s God, which he expressed through a fast.
• Another post-exilic example is when Nehemiah heard reports about Israel’s struggle and failings back in the land. We read, “As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven” (Nehemiah 1:4). Fasts, then, are special petitions to God and generally for great need.
• However, as often happens with spiritual practices, Israel began fasting regularly as part of their religion. It stopped being about relying on God and began being about performing religious duties. In response to their question, “Why have we fasted, and you see it not? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?” God said, “Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure, and oppress all your workers. Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to hit with a wicked fist. Fasting like yours this day will not make your voice to be heard on high. Is such the fast that I choose, a day for a person to humble himself? Is it to bow down his head like a reed, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and a day acceptable to the LORD?” (Isaiah 58:3–5). Their fasting had nothing to do with pleasing God; it had become a practice they abused. Thus, when they actually needed help, God ignored them.

from the new testament

• Lent is a 40-day fast leading up to Easter. The scholarly evidence is mixed, but some connect it with Jesus’ 40-day fast in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2). However, given that the early church did not observe a strict 40-day fast, it’s likely that the connection to Jesus’ fast is more a matter of tradition than directly based on that account. Regardless, that is the explanation today for why Lent is 40 days.
• The word “Lent” is derived from a word for “spring,” reflecting the time of the year (Easter) rather than having a specific meaning itself. It is not prescribed in Scripture; therefore, believers are free to participate or not. As one does, however, one should keep Jesus’ warning about fasting in mind. He said, “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:16–18). Fasting is a private affair. Jesus warned against fasting in such a way as to let others know how religious one is because that reveals a heart that is fasting just for show.
• As with the Old Testament, the New Testament also connects fasting to special needs rather than to a regularly scheduled religious practice. For example, while the Antioch church was looking for missionaries, we read, “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off” (Acts 13:2–3). They were fasting to ask God for the wisdom on who to send into the field.
• In this way, fasting was considered ad hoc, as-needed practice. This is not to discourage regular fasting, but one should be careful that a regularly scheduled fast doesn’t become mere religious duty, as it had for the Jewish people (cf. Isaiah 58:3–5), rather than part of a healthy spiritual relationship with God.
• Another warning closer to the common practice of Lent is that refraining from something doesn’t actually change one’s heart. Speaking about legalistic religions setting unbiblical restrictions, Paul said, “These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh” (Colossians 2:23). Fasting is good when it’s to nurture one’s relationship with God. But if the entire purpose is to “purge” from some practice, it has no real spiritual value, as the heart is simply being denied access for a time rather than being taught not to love what is unprofitable for its spiritual growth.

implications for today

Throughout church history, Christians have created traditions and celebrations to help them remember and reflect on God’s work. Easter itself is not a command found in Scripture, yet for centuries Christians have gathered to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Lent is similar—it is not a biblical requirement, but it developed early in church history as a way to prepare believers to celebrate Easter.

Like any spiritual practice, Lent can be helpful or harmful depending on the heart behind it. If it becomes a box to check, a way to appear more spiritual, or a belief that giving something up earns God’s favor, it misses the point. But when practiced with humility, Lent can be an opportunity to slow down, refocus, and remember our dependence on Jesus.

If you practice Lent, consider these three ways to make it spiritually meaningful:

First, use fasting to deepen your dependence on God. Biblical fasting was never about simply giving something up—it was about seeking God. While Lent may not follow the biblical pattern of fasting, it can still be a valuable reminder that our deepest needs are not satisfied by temporary things but by God Himself.

Second, replace what you give up with what draws you closer to God. Giving up a habit, food, or activity will not transform your heart on its own. Use that time and attention to engage God’s Word, pray, and allow Him to reshape your desires (Romans 12:2).

Third, let Lent point you back to Jesus. The purpose of preparing for Easter is not just remembering what Jesus did but being amazed by who He is. Use this season to reflect on His sacrifice, celebrate His resurrection, and consider the hope, forgiveness, and new life He offers.

Lent is not about what you can sacrifice for God—it is about remembering the greater sacrifice Jesus made for you. The goal is not simply to finish 40 days without something but to come out of those 40 days knowing and worshipping Christ more deeply.