Why do christians observe lent?

Answer 1

Many Christians don't observe lent at all.

For example, Jehovah's Witnesses as Christians don't observe it, and we get along just fine spiritually. Most of us don't even know what it means or what it's all about. We don't pay any attention to it.

Another Answer:

Another Answer:

Not 'all' but many Christians do observe the Lenten season. This has evolved since its incorporation into the RC Church in the 4th Century - both in lenght and fasting requirements. Lent is used for "fasting from sin and from vice…forsaking sin and sinful ways." It is a season "for penance, which means sorrow for sin and conversion to God." This tradition teaches that fasting and employing self-discipline during Lent will give a worshipper the "control over himself that he needs to purify his heart and renew his life."

But what does The Bible say? That we each need God's Spirit to guide us - giving us temperance and Godly self-control. No amount of fasting - of and by itself - will produce the amount of self-control God demands of His children.

Galatians 5:16-18New International Version (NIV)

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Answer 2

Christians fast as a way to grow closer to God. This is not a requirement, but instead something we do because we are saying that we sacrifice our food in order to spend the time to pray to our king.

Answer 3

to remind them of Jesus on the cross and remember him.

Answer 4

Although He was physically at His weakest point in His life... He was Spiritually at His strongest, to meet Satan head-on to defeat him.