Lent Scripture

Scriptures for Lent

Lent is a season of reflection, repentance, prayer, self-examination, and preparation as Christians journey towards Easter. It provides an opportunity to slow down, refocus our hearts on Christ, consider the significance of His sacrifice, and prepare to celebrate His resurrection.

Here are some helpful Lent Scripture readings, arranged as a journey through the season.

Beginning the Journey

• Joel 2:12–17 — Returning to God with sincerity and repentance.
• Matthew 6:1–18 — Prayer, fasting, and giving with the right heart.
• Psalm 51:1–17 — Confession, repentance, and seeking God’s mercy.
• Isaiah 58:1–12 — What genuine fasting and faithful living look like.

Following Jesus

• Matthew 4:1–11 — Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness.
• Luke 9:18–27 — Following Jesus and taking up the cross.
• Mark 8:27–38 — Understanding who Jesus is and what discipleship means.
• John 12:20–33 — Jesus speaks about His coming death.

Repentance and Renewal

• Luke 13:1–9 — The call to repentance and spiritual fruitfulness.
• Luke 15:11–32 — The Father’s welcome of the returning prodigal.
• Psalm 32:1–7 — The blessing of forgiveness.
• Psalm 139:23–24 — Asking God to search and examine the heart.

The Journey Towards the Cross

• Matthew 16:21–28 — Jesus begins to explain His suffering.
• Matthew 20:17–28 — Jesus prepares His disciples for what lies ahead.
• John 11:45–57 — Events leading towards Jesus’ arrest.
• John 13:1–17 — Jesus demonstrates servant leadership.

Holy Week

• Matthew 21:1–11 — Jesus enters Jerusalem.
• Matthew 26:14–30 — The Last Supper and preparation for Jesus’ arrest.
• Matthew 26:36–46 — Jesus prays in Gethsemane.
• Matthew 27:11–56 — The crucifixion of Jesus.
• John 19:16–37 — Jesus’ death on the cross.

Waiting and Hope

• Psalm 130:1–8 — Waiting for God with hope.
• Lamentations 3:19–26 — Trusting God’s faithfulness in difficult circumstances.
• Romans 5:1–11 — Hope, suffering, reconciliation, and God’s love.

Easter and Resurrection

Although Lent leads towards Easter, the journey does not end at the cross.

• Matthew 28:1–10 — The resurrection of Jesus.
• Mark 16:1–8 — The empty tomb.
• Luke 24:1–12 — The women discover the empty tomb.
• John 20:1–18 — Mary Magdalene encounters the risen Christ.
• 1 Corinthians 15:1–22 — The importance and hope of the resurrection.

A 40-Day Lent Reading Plan

Day 1: Joel 2:12–17
Day 2: Psalm 51:1–17
Day 3: Matthew 6:1–18
Day 4: Isaiah 58:1–12
Day 5: Matthew 4:1–11
Day 6: Psalm 32:1–7
Day 7: Luke 9:18–27
Day 8: Mark 8:27–38
Day 9: Luke 13:1–9
Day 10: Luke 15:11–32
Day 11: Psalm 139:23–24
Day 12: Romans 12:1–8
Day 13: Matthew 5:1–16
Day 14: Matthew 5:17–30
Day 15: Matthew 6:19–34
Day 16: Matthew 7:1–29
Day 17: John 3:1–21
Day 18: John 4:1–26
Day 19: John 6:25–40
Day 20: John 8:1–11
Day 21: John 10:1–18
Day 22: John 11:1–44
Day 23: Matthew 16:21–28
Day 24: Matthew 20:17–28
Day 25: John 12:20–33
Day 26: John 13:1–17
Day 27: Matthew 26:14–30
Day 28: Matthew 26:36–46
Day 29: Luke 22:39–53
Day 30: John 18:1–27
Day 31: John 18:28–40
Day 32: John 19:1–16
Day 33: Matthew 27:27–56
Day 34: John 19:16–37
Day 35: Psalm 22:1–31
Day 36: Isaiah 53:1–12
Day 37: Psalm 130:1–8
Day 38: Lamentations 3:19–26
Day 39: Romans 5:1–11
Day 40: Matthew 28:1–10

Reflection

Lent invites us to ask not simply, “What am I giving up?”, but “What am I giving to God?”

It can be a season to surrender distractions, deepen prayer, examine our hearts, seek forgiveness, show greater compassion, and become more aware of the sacrifice Christ made for us.

The journey through Lent ultimately points beyond repentance and the cross towards the hope of resurrection. It reminds Christians that suffering is not the final word, death does not have the final victory, and the story of Jesus ends not at the tomb but with resurrection and life.

Holy Week

Easter

What Is Resurrection?