The Wake-Up Call — First Sunday of Lent

Host: John David Walt (Seedbed)
Guest: David Walt
Date: February 22, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode marks the first Sunday of Lent in Seedbed's "Jesus Asking" series. Host John David Walt reorients the community for the season, explaining why Sundays are "feast days" and distinct within the Lenten period. Instead of the usual reflection, today centers on a Scripture reading and a communal worship moment, aiming to deepen listeners’ personal friendship with Jesus throughout Lent.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Unique Rhythm of Sundays in Lent

Sundays Excluded from Fasting:
- Lent traditionally includes 40 days of fasting, not counting the six Sundays. Sundays are always “feast days.”
- Quote: “You never fast on a Sunday. You fast on the other days.” (01:04)
Pilgrimage Metaphor:
- Walt likens the Lent Sundays to a pilgrimage, visiting “six different holy sites” through scripture.
- Quote: “I think of this... like a pilgrimage. We’re going to six different holy sites. We’re getting on the bus.” (01:42)

2. Itinerary for Lent’s Six Sundays (Scriptural Focuses)

First Sunday: Caesarea Philippi (This episode)
Second Sunday: Mount of Transfiguration (return visit for deeper reflection)
Third Sunday: Jordan River
Fourth Sunday: The Wilderness (where Jesus was tempted)
Fifth Sunday: Jerusalem, Jesus washes the disciples' feet
Sixth Sunday: The Pool of Bethesda (healing of the man who had been incapacitated for 38 years)
- Quote: “Don’t you kind of like that, knowing where we’re going?” (02:49)

3. Scripture Reading – Matthew 16:13–28 [06:07 – 08:30]

Walt reads the entire passage, centering on Peter’s confession of Jesus as Messiah, Jesus’ foretelling of his suffering, and the famous teaching on losing one’s life to find it.
- Key phrases from the passage:
  - “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
  - “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
  - “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
  - “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”
Quote: “The word of the Lord. It's good just to read a long text like that, isn't it, Dad?” (08:33)

4. Reflection on Scripture’s Self-Sufficiency

Walt acknowledges the temptation to comment extensively but chooses to let the passage stand on its own.
- Quote: “Really, the word of God needs no comment... it is complete in and of itself.” (08:37)
He mentions preaching on this text at his local church and others doing the same, inviting listeners to join online if interested.
- Quote: “If you would like to hear what I have to say about that text, you can just come to Gillette today.” (08:53)

5. Communal Worship – “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” [10:00 – 12:29]

A special moment as John David and his father, David Walt, sing the hymn together, reinforcing the episode's focus on friendship with Jesus.
- Hymn Highlights:
  - “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear...”
  - “Jesus knows our every weakness, take it to the Lord in prayer.”
Quote (David Walt): “What a friend we have in Jesus, 116.” (10:05)

6. Friendship with Jesus — A Deeper Invitation

Lent as a call not merely to serve Jesus but to be considered his friend.
- Quote: “He's not looking for servants. He's not looking for employees. He's not looking for fans. He's looking for friends.” (13:16)
Personalizes the hymn’s sentiment, imagining Jesus singing about his friendship with us.
- Quote: “I bet Jesus, if he’s singing this song, he’s thinking, 'What a friend I have in David.' Amen. And I hope he’s singing, 'What a friend I have in John David.' And I have a sense he’s singing, 'What a friend I have in Mary and Peter and Thomas.' And you know your name, too.” (12:46)
Invitation to “raise your hand” and come closer into friendship with Christ, referencing how some were in Jesus’ inner circle.
- Quote: “All you gotta do is say, ‘Jesus, pick me. I’ll be your friend.’ And that’s what Lent is about.” (13:29)
Emphasizes that the “disciple whom Jesus loved” is a spot open for anyone willing to draw close.
- Quote: “That disciple that you hear about in John’s Gospel... that spot again. It’s reserved for anybody who will raise their hand and say, 'That’s where I want to be.'” (14:34)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Lent’s Sundays:
- “You never fast on a Sunday. You fast on the other days.” (01:04)
On the Pilgrimage of Lent:
- “We’re going to six different holy sites. We’re getting on the bus.” (01:42)
On Friendship with Jesus:
- “He’s not looking for employees. He’s looking for friends.” (13:16)
On Letting Scripture Speak:
- “Really, the word of God needs no comment...it is complete in and of itself.” (08:37)
On Lent’s Purpose:
- “These days of Lent, they’re days that are meant to deepen our friendship with Jesus.” (12:29)
Closing Blessing:
- “Be ready to see friends. Be ready to see maybe visitors at your church. Just be ready to befriend them, to deepen your friendships with each other.” (15:30)

Timestamps for Important Segments

Lenten Pilgrimage Itinerary: 01:42 – 03:04
Overview and explanation of Sundays in Lent: 00:45 – 01:36
Scripture Reading (Matthew 16:13–28): 06:07 – 08:30
Worship with “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”: 10:00 – 12:29
Reflection on friendship with Jesus: 12:29 – 15:30

Tone & Atmosphere

Warm, reflective, and inviting.
Informal interaction between John David and his father brings a family-like, communal sense.
Emphasis on personal relationship and encouragement for spiritual friendship.
The mood is gentle and contemplative, fitting for the Lenten journey.

Summary Takeaway

This episode launches listeners on a Lenten journey as a pilgrimage through significant scriptural scenes, with an emphasis not on ritual or duty but on deepening our personal friendship with Jesus. By focusing on the Gospel text and joining in a beloved hymn, the hosts invite everyone—no matter where they start from—to draw closer and say, “Jesus, pick me. I’ll be your friend.”