Christian Comment with Revd David Newell, Beacon Benefice

WE ARE now in the season of Lent.

This 40 day period before Easter commemorates the 40 days which Jesus spent in the wilderness prior to his public ministry.

He spent these days thinking through what form his ministry would take.

He could use his divine power to provide bread for the hungry.

Surely that would be a worthy cause.

He could use his divine power to perform amazing miracles.

That would impress people.

He could use his divine power to usher in God’s Kingdom by force.

That would make people recognise his authority.

Jesus sees all these alternatives as temptations.

They would be using heavenly power in an earthly way.

They would deceive people into the Kingdom of God rather than allowing them to freely enter that Kingdom.

After that period in the wilderness Jesus adopts the role of the suffering servant as the key to his public ministry.

The way of the suffering servant is portrayed in the prophecy of Isaiah in the Old Testament.

It is a way of love and service but it leads to the Cross.

It leads to the Cross because it shows no compromise with evil, it does not seek revenge, it undermines man’s criteria of success and it concentrates on the world’s poor and disadvantaged.

Such a ministry incites opposition because it threatens the status quo.

Traditionally, Christians have used Lent as a time of penitence, prayer and preparation mirroring Jesus experience in the wilderness.

Some give up luxuries like wine and chocolates as a Lenten discipline.

Some take part in a course of study either as individuals or in a group to deepen their faith and spiritual experience.

Some undertake an extra service like visiting the sick or helping the disabled. Some give additional support to a chosen charity.

How are you remembering Lent this year?