Hey, Beautiful Souls! Welcome back to Creative Jesus Girl, where we’re journeying through Lent with open hearts and creative spirits. Today, as part of our Journey Through Lent: 40 Days from Ashes to Alleluia, we’re diving into Luke 13-3—a short but powerful verse that’s speaking volumes to me during this season of reflection.
This Lent, I’ve been struck by how Jesus meets us in our need for change, and I can’t wait to unpack it with you. So grab your journal, a warm drink, and let’s explore what Jesus is whispering to us through His words.
Luke 13:3 reads:
“I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”
Wow, Jesus doesn’t hold back here, does He? In the middle of Lent, this verse hits hard—a call to repentance that’s both sobering and life-giving. It’s a reminder of why we’re on this 40-day journey: to turn our hearts back to Him, to let go of what weighs us down, and to find renewal in His mercy. Let’s unpack this verse and see how it shapes our faith and creativity as we move from Ashes to Alleluia.
Turning to Christ with Luke 13-3
Luke 13-3 is direct: Repentance isn’t optional—it’s essential. Jesus is speaking to a crowd that’s asking about tragedies, wondering if the victims were worse sinners. He flips their question, pointing not to others’ sin but to their own need for a heart change. In Lent, this feels so timely. We’re called to pause, reflect, and turn back to Christ with intention.
Repentance—metanoia in Greek—means a change of mind and heart, a 180-degree turn toward God. It’s not just saying “sorry”; it’s a shift in how we live, think, and create. For us creative Jesus girls, this might look like letting go of distractions that pull us from Him—maybe it’s endless scrolling or perfectionism in our art—and refocusing on His voice.
I’ve been convicted this Lent to repent of my need to control, especially in my creative projects. It started with a late-night realization that I was stressing over a journal layout instead of trusting God’s design. That moment led me to pray, and I felt His peace settle in. What about you? Where’s Jesus calling you to turn back to Him? Maybe it’s a habit you’ve been clinging to or a relationship that needs His healing touch. Take a moment to ask Him—He’s ready to guide you.
The Urgency of Repentance
Jesus’ words carry urgency: “unless you repent, you too will all perish.” He’s not mincing words—without repentance, we’re headed for spiritual death, separated from God. But here’s the hope: He’s inviting us into life. Lent is the perfect season to heed this call, to let the ashes on our hearts remind us of our need for Him.
This urgency has stirred me to examine my own life more deeply. Am I holding onto grudges? Am I prioritizing my plans over His? Repentance isn’t a one-time act—it’s a daily turning, especially in these 40 days. I’ve been using my prayer cards to journal my confessions, and it’s been freeing to lay it all at His feet. Last week, I wrote down a resentment I’d carried for months, and as I prayed over it, I felt a weight lift. It’s amazing how Jesus meets us when we’re honest.
Luke 13-3 reminds us there’s no time to waste—our Savior is waiting with open arms. Have you felt that urgency stirring in your own heart? Maybe it’s a quiet nudge to let go of something today.
Spiritual Renewal Through Lent
The beauty of repentance in Luke 13-3 is what it leads to: renewal. When we turn from sin, we turn to Christ—and He restores us. Lent isn’t just about giving up; it’s about gaining a closer walk with Jesus. Every confession, every surrender, makes space for His grace to fill us anew.
I’ve felt this renewal in small ways this season—like when I let go of a bitter thought and felt His peace wash over me or when I chose worship over worry and sensed His presence. It’s like clearing clutter from a canvas, leaving room for His light to shine through.
One evening, I sat with my Scripture Journaling Kit, painting a sunrise over ashes, and it mirrored my heart’s shift toward Him. For us creatives, this renewal can spark fresh inspiration—maybe a new song, a poem, or a journal entry that flows from a cleansed heart. Where are you seeing His renewal in your Lenten journey? Perhaps it’s in a moment of forgiveness or a new creative idea that surprised you—let’s celebrate those gifts.
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Creativity as a Response to Repentance
Repentance doesn’t have to be heavy—it can be creative! Luke 13-3 invites us to respond to Jesus with our whole selves, including our art. When we turn to Him, our creativity becomes a form of worship, a way to process what He’s doing in us.
I’ve been doodling my prayers this Lent—sketching little hearts or crosses as I confess and surrender. It’s amazing how putting pen to paper helps me feel His nearness. Last week, I tried a new technique with my Mini Journaling Kit, blending colors to represent my turning from guilt to grace—it was messy but beautiful. We are all beautifully broken messes, right?
Maybe for you, it’s writing a letter to God, painting your repentance, or crafting a playlist of songs that echo your heart’s turn. Let’s use our creative gifts to say yes to Jesus’ call in Luke 13-3, making this Lent a season of beauty and transformation. What creative act could you try today to express your repentance?
Living Out Repentance Today
How do we live out Luke 13-3 in our daily walk? Here are some ideas to inspire your Lent journey:
- Journal Your Heart: Write down what you need to repent of, then sketch a symbol of renewal (a flower, a sunrise). Try my free Scripture Card to guide you.
- Pray with Purpose: Set aside time to confess and turn to Christ—use a prayer card or note from my resources to focus your heart.
- Create Intentionally: Let your art reflect your repentance—maybe a watercolor of ashes turning to light or a poem about renewal.
- Walk in Renewal: Look for small ways to live differently, showing His love in your actions—maybe a kind word where there was silence before.
Lent is our chance to let Luke 13-3 sink deep, transforming us from the inside out. Let’s embrace this call with open hearts and creative hands, trusting Jesus to lead us forward.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You in this sacred season of Lent, seeking the repentance You call us to in Your Word. You speak so clearly through Jesus, urging us to turn our hearts fully to You. Open our eyes to the areas where we’ve strayed—our distractions, our pride, our fears—and give us the courage to turn back. Fill us with Your mercy, Lord, and let it wash over us like a sunrise, bringing renewal to our spirits. May our creativity—our journals, our prayers, our art—become an offering of worship as we respond to Your call. Lead us from ashes to alleluia, closer to Your heart each day.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
Connect with Me
Hey, Beautiful Souls! How’s Luke 13-3 speaking to you this Lent? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear how you’re finding repentance and renewal in this season!
Join me on Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, Reddit, and LinkedIn for more faith and creativity, and check out my free Creative Resources below to deepen your journey.
Creative Resources
Dive deeper with my free Lent-themed resources, which can be found under Creative Resources on the menu above. You’ll find fun, beautifully designed Journaling, Prayer, Note, Scripture, and Bible Study Cards, Mini Bible Journaling, and Scripture Kits. Download it now and use these tools to grow in humility this Lent. Share your insights with #CreativeJesusGirl—I can’t wait to see your faith shine! Want more? Explore full Scripture Journaling Kits on my Patreon!
