In this first episode of Rooted, Pastor Steve and I explore the roots and modern practice of Lent, and what it should mean to us all.

We’ve created a “Beginner’s Guide to Lent Fasting” resource including simple fast options, weekly rhythms, and reflection questions.

If you’ve never observed Lent before, this is designed to help you start small, biblically, and without spiritual performance.

View it below.

LENT BEGINNER RESOURCE PACK

A Simple Guide for First-Time Observers

1. What Is Fasting?

Fasting is voluntarily abstaining from food (or something meaningful) for a spiritual purpose. It does not earn grace or favor from God. It creates space to hunger for Him.

• Matthew 6:16–18

• Joel 2:12–13

• Isaiah 58

• Matthew 4:1–4

2. Beginner Fast Options

• Option 1: One-Meal Fast – Skip one meal once per week and use that time for prayer and

Scripture.

• Option 2: Sunrise-to-Sunset Fast – Fast during the day and break with a simple dinner.

• Option 3: Media / Comfort Fast – Abstain from social media, streaming, sugar, or coffee.

• Option 4: Partial (Daniel-Style) Fast – Simple foods only; no desserts, alcohol, or luxury

Foods.

3. How To Break a Fast

Do not binge or overeat. Break your fast slowly with something simple (eggs, broth, avocado etc.). Thank God and reflect on what you learned during the fast.

4. Weekly Lent Rhythm

• Daily: 5–10 minutes in Scripture and one short prayer of repentance.

• Weekly: One intentional fast and one extended prayer time.

• Sunday: Feast and celebrate the grace of Christ. (with healthy, whole foods)

5. Reflection Questions

• What do I run to for comfort besides Jesus?

• What surfaces in my heart when I’m hungry?

• Where am I spiritually distracted?

• What does deeper repentance look like?

• How can this prepare me to celebrate the resurrection?

Beginner’s Lent Prayer Sample

Lord, teach me to hunger rightly. Strip away distraction. Expose what competes for my love. Let this season make me desperate for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Medical & Wisdom Note

If you are pregnant, diabetic, underweight, have eating disorders, or medical concerns, consult a physician before fasting from food. Fasting is meant to draw you to Christ, not harm your body.

Book Recommendations from the episode:

“The Obesity Code” Unlocking the Secrets of Weight Loss (Why Intermittent Fasting Is the Key to Controlling Your Weight) by Jason Fung, MD

https://a.co/d/06NaCeNP

This next Amazon link is for the cookbook companion for “The Obesity Code”. It is invaluable when providing options for clean eating that don't sacrifice flavor or variety.

“The Obesity Code Cookbook” Recipes to Help You Manage Insulin, Lose Weight, and Improve Your Health (The Wellness Code)

https://a.co/d/09DrW6cG

“Counterfeit Gods”: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters by Timothy Keller

https://a.co/d/05k5BXli

“The Mortification of Sin” by John Owen

https://a.co/d/01VkZllf

All About Jesus

Israel’s Failure is All About Jesus

Matthew 4:1-11

The Main Point: Israel’s failure is all about Jesus.

An Opportunity for Failure: Temptation in the Wilderness (vv1-2)

· WHO: Jesus, the Spirit, the Devil (the tempter) (Jas 1:13)

· WHERE: a wilderness

· WHEN: 40 days & 40 nights (Num 32:13)

· WHAT: Jesus was tempted in the wilderness just as Israel was.

· We will face temptation. (2 Cor 11:3; 1 Pet 5:8b)

The First Temptation: God’s Provision (vv3-4)

· Jesus succeeded where Israel failed. (Deut 8:1-3; Num 11:4-6)

· We have failed to trust God’s provision. (Jn 6:26-27, 30-35; Mt 6:16)

The Second Temptation: God’s Promises (vv5-7)

· Ps 91:1, 11-12

· Jesus succeeded where Israel failed. (Deut 6:16; Ps 78:40-41)

· We have tested God. (Ps 103:3; 1 Jn 1:9; Titus 2:11)

The Third Temptation: God’s Provision (vv8-10)

· Jesus succeeded where Israel failed. (Phil 2:8-11; Deut 6:13; 9:7-8)

· We haven’t worshipped God. (Ps 14:2-3)

Success…but not a final temptation to fail (v11)

· Jesus succeeded where Israel failed.

· We must trust Jesus.

Next week’s sermon: The Promised Land is All About Jesus

All About Jesus

The Law is All About Jesus

Matthew 5:17-20

The Main Point: The Law is all about Jesus.

Jesus fulfills the Law. (v17)

· We see God’s Law in Jesus. (Ex 19:6; Rom 3:20)

Jesus upholds the Law. (v18)

· 2 Tim 3:16

· We study God’s Law through Jesus.

o Jesus fulfills laws about the priesthood. (Heb 4:14, 16)

o Jesus fulfills laws about the sacrificial system. (Heb 10:11-12)

o Jesus fulfills laws about the Sabbath. (Heb 4:9-11)

o Jesus fulfills laws all festivals and diet. (Col 2:16-17)

Jesus obeys and teaches the Law. (v19)

· We teach God’s Law through Jesus. (Mt 7:28-29; 28:19-20)

Jesus perfects the Law. (v20)

· We obey God’s Law through Jesus. (Ps 51:4-5, 10; Heb 5:8-9)

Next week’s sermon: Israel’s Failure is All About Jesus (Mt 4:1-11)