The Journey of Lent: Echoes of the Exodus

Lent is a sacred season of reflection, repentance, and renewal that prepares us for the joy of Easter. This 40-day journey is not just a period of spiritual discipline but a time that mirrors one of the most profound narratives in Scripture: the Exodus. Just as God led the Israelites out of Egypt and into the wilderness, so too does Lent call us into a time of spiritual refinement, leading us toward the victory of the Resurrection (United Methodist Church, 2020).

The Exodus as a Lenten Parallel

The story of the Exodus is foundational to understanding God’s deliverance and covenant relationship with His people. When God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, they embarked on a 40-year journey through the wilderness (Exodus 16:35, ESV). This period of testing and reliance on God foreshadows the 40 days of Lent, a time in which believers are invited to walk with Christ in His journey toward the cross (UMC Discipleship Ministries, 2016).

Much like the Israelites who faced trials, temptations, and divine provision (Deuteronomy 8:2-3), Lent invites us into a season of fasting, prayer, and self-examination. The Israelites’ time in the wilderness was meant to shape them into a people wholly dependent on God. Likewise, Lent urges us to surrender our worldly dependencies and focus on the transformative work of Christ in our lives (Wright, 2006).

From Wilderness to Redemption

Lent ultimately leads to Palm Sunday, a day that marks Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:8-9). Just as the Israelites reached the Promised Land after their wilderness journey, Palm Sunday signifies the nearing fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

The same crowd that welcomed Jesus with shouts of "Hosanna!" would, days later, cry out for His crucifixion (Luke 23:20-21). This stark contrast reminds us that the journey through Lent is not merely about reflection but about embracing the depth of Christ’s sacrifice (Witherington, 1998).

Easter stands as the ultimate fulfillment of both the Exodus and the Lenten journey. Just as God delivered His people from slavery in Egypt, Christ delivers humanity from the bondage of sin through His death and resurrection (Romans 6:4-5). The season of Lent prepares our hearts for this victory, ensuring that as we celebrate the empty tomb, we do so with renewed faith and commitment (Book of Discipline, UMC, 2016).

A Call to Journey with Christ

As we progress through Lent, let us remember that it is more than a ritual—it is a calling to transformation. Just as the Israelites had to trust in God’s provision in the wilderness, we are invited to trust in His grace. Through fasting, prayer, and acts of compassion, we prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter, knowing that through Christ, we have passed from death to life (John 5:24).

This Lenten season, may we embrace the journey with faith, walking in the footsteps of Christ, from the wilderness to the cross, and ultimately to the glory of the Resurrection.

Bibliography

• The United Methodist Church. "Lent: A Season of Reflection and Preparation." 2020. https://www.umc.org

• UMC Discipleship Ministries. "The Meaning of Lent and Easter." 2016. https://www.umcdiscipleship.org

• Wright, N.T. Lent for Everyone: Matthew, Year A. Westminster John Knox Press, 2006.

• Witherington, Ben. The Gospel of Mark: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary. Eerdmans, 1998.

• The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church. The United Methodist Publishing House, 2016.