Joel 2:12-14 Ash Wednesday sermon

Return to Me: Embracing Repentance This Lent

Bible Passage: Joel 2:12-18; Matthew 6:1-6

Summary: In Joel 2:12-18, the Lord calls His people to return to Him with all their hearts, emphasizing genuine repentance and the hope of restoration. In Matthew 6:1-6 Jesus warns us not to care about the human audience for our prayers - but rather focus only on the audience of God the Father. Repentance and prayer must be devout not a display.

Application: This passage teaches us that true repentance is not just an outward display but a heart transformation.

As we prepare for Lent, it encourages Christians to engage in introspection and renew their commitment to God, providing a pathway to healing and restoration from sin and brokenness.

Teaching: The sermon explains the significance of genuine repentance, the role of fasting and mourning in returning to God, and the promise of His mercy and forgiveness for those who turn back to Him.

Throughout the Bible, Jesus Christ fulfils the call to repentance as the ultimate restorer and redeemer who offers forgiveness and new life.

He embodies the mercy and compassion of God, inviting us to come to Him as we repent.

Big Idea: The big idea of this sermon is that true repentance leads to genuine restoration and that through Christ, we find the mercy and grace of a new beginning this Lent.

1. Hearken to the Heart

Joel 2:12-14

Perhaps you can begin by highlighting how this passage calls us to return to God with genuine contrition, emphasizing that God sees beyond outward actions and desires a heart truly turned towards Him. You might suggest that this genuineness in repentance prepares our hearts for the Lenten journey—a journey of introspection and renewal. Through Christ, who perfectly embodied repentance without sin, we are provided the grace to embark on this transformative path with confidence, seeking God's forgiveness and restoration.

2. Gather for Grace

Joel 2:15-16

You could suggest focusing on the communal aspect of repentance here, emphasizing the call to gather people of all ages in seeking the Lord. It reveals that repentance is not a solitary act but a communal call to return to God together, unified in purpose and intent. In Christ, who builds His Church, the community becomes a beacon of light in a world needing redemption. This gathering breaks down barriers and unites us in the common pursuit of holiness through humility and collective prayer.

3. Intercede with Intensity

Joel 2:17-18

Perhaps, consider addressing the priestly intercession described in this passage, illustrating the urgency and earnestness of pleading for God’s mercy on behalf of the people. Connect this with the role of Christ as our High Priest, who intercedes for us even now. This element of intercession reminds us to humbly approach God, trusting in the intercessory work of Christ, and to advocate for others in our community during this season of reflection and renewal, confident in God’s promise of restoration.