Mosaiek Church Lent 2025: Jesus' Questions in SufferingНамуна

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”

-Mark 8:29 (NIV)

Fear is a common response to God when we see Him through the lens of a harsh judge or taskmaster. Many of us are conditioned to think that God’s love and approval are contingent on our behaviour, which leads us to live in fear of punishment or rejection. Jesus challenges this fear-based image, emphasising that God is love and that His perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18).

This week of Lent is about replacing fear with trust. Jesus asks us, “Who do you say that I am?” and our response should be based on trust, not fear. Do we see Jesus as someone who punishes us for every mistake, or as someone who loves us unconditionally and invites us into a relationship built on grace? Lent is an invitation to surrender our fears and embrace the truth of God’s love, which frees us from the need to perform for His approval.

Reflection: What fears do you have in your relationship with God? Is it based on a false view of Him as a harsh judge? How can you grow in trust in God's love, knowing that He does not relate to you through fear, but through grace?

Prayer: Lord, help me to be deeply aware of the true image of God.