Casting Stones
Today’s Bible Verse:
John 8:7 ESV
And as they continued to ask (Jesus), He stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.”
In this powerful scene from the Gospel of John, we witness Jesus confronting the religious leaders' self-righteousness and extending a profound message of grace and forgiveness.
A woman caught in adultery is brought before Jesus. The Pharisees and scribes, eager to trap Him, demand His judgment. According to the Law of Moses, she should be stoned to death. But Jesus, instead of condemning her, challenges her accusers with these words: "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.”
One by one, they leave, convicted by their consciences. Jesus, left alone with the woman, asks, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" "No one, sir," she replies. Then Jesus says, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on, sin no more."
This encounter highlights the tension between the Law and grace. While holy and righteous, the Law reveals our sinfulness and condemns us. It shows us our need for a Savior. Grace, on the other hand, is God's undeserved favor and love toward us. It is the gift of forgiveness and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
Jesus' response to the woman demonstrates the true meaning of grace. He does not condone her sin but does not condemn her. He offers her forgiveness and a chance for a new beginning.
As Lutherans, we believe we are all sinners needing God's grace. We cannot earn our salvation by obeying the Law, and our best efforts fall short of God's perfect standard. But in Christ, we have a Savior who lived a perfect life and died a sacrificial death on our behalf. We are forgiven and made righteous in God's sight through faith in Him.
This encounter with Jesus challenges us to examine our hearts. Are we quick to judge others or extend grace and forgiveness? Do we recognize our sinfulness and need for God's mercy? Let us remember that we are all sinners saved by grace. Let us strive to live lives that reflect God's love and forgiveness, extending grace to others just as Christ has extended grace to us.
PRAYERS
Keep in Your Prayers:
All people dealing with cancer
Those who reject Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
A Prayer for Today:
Merciful God, I thank You for Your boundless grace and forgiveness. Forgive me for my sins and help me to extend grace to others. May my life reflect your love and mercy. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
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