March 2026 | The Lion and the Lamb

There’s an old saying about the month of March, “In like a lion, out like a lamb.” I remember my children in preschool focusing on this with arts and crafts, and they would make puppet faces for both a lion and a lamb that they played with. When this phrase is used, it is typically referring to March beginning with weather that comes in as a strong and powerful Winter but then transitions to a mild and gentle Spring. “In like a lion and out like a lamb” can also describe Jesus’ experience during Holy Week, and some believe the origins of this phrase actually came from that Biblical understanding.

We are now in the season of Lent, and are doing a sermon  series that is exploring Holy Week. It began with Jesus coming into Jerusalem like a lion, a king, with his triumphal entry. (Don’t worry, we will still wave palms and shout “Hosanna!” on Palm Sunday!) Throughout Holy Week, the last week of Jesus’ life, many events took place until Jesus experienced his arrest and trials. Jesus chose to become the “sacrificial lamb,” on our behalf, being crucified for the atonement of the sins of the world. Yet in the Biblical story, and in our lives, it doesn’t end in death, but in life! Jesus rose again, triumphant as king! (Hallelujah, Amen!) New life in Christ and eternal life are available to everyone through Jesus Christ! Jesus is both the “Lamb of God” who takes away the sins of the world and the “Lion of Judah”! (see Rev. 5:5-10)

During Lent, we focus on our need for new life within, our continual sanctification, and eternal life through Jesus. The beginning of Lent began on Ash Wednesday, with a prayer vigil. There was the imposition of ashes that reflects humility, repentance, and even our own mortality, as a reminder that we need a Savior! Lent is a time determined by the Church for reflection, preparation, and participation. Throughout Lent, we focus on growing in our faith and devotion while also determining to repent. We participate in practices over 40 days, such as fasting, prayer, increased reading of Scripture, and increased giving (sometimes referred to as almsgiving). During the prayer vigil, people prayed about how God would have them respond—either by giving up something or taking up something (or both) - listed in the other article about the prayer vigil. 

When we participate in Lent with a seeking and repentant heart, we draw near to our Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. Throughout the 40 days of Lent, as we continue to reflect, repent, commit, and grow, we look forward to the experience of our Lion of Judah who triumphed over the grave on Easter. Please prayerfully consider participating in Lenten practices this year- it’s not too late to start. All are also encouraged to attend Holy Week services. Take the time, and experience the new life that Christ offers. I invite you to journal about your experiences through Lent and consider sharing your reflections and experiences, your God Moments, with your faith family.
March is ushering in Lent, “In like a Lion, and out like a Lamb,” and we  remember that Jesus continues to be for us the Lion and the Lamb!
Praise be to God!
​
Shalom,
Pastor Sherry