Extravagant Grace

Devotion for Wednesday January 17, 2018

Topic: Extravagant Grace                             

Text: John 8:1 – 11                                             

When Jesus called on someone without sin to throw the first stone on this woman caught in the very act, the leaders slipped away one by one, from oldest to youngest. As Life Application Commentary noted, “Evidently the older men were more aware of their sins than the younger. Age and experience often temper youthful self-righteousness.”

Every human being has a sinful nature and is desperately in need of forgiveness and transformation. If we are invited today to throw a stone on that woman, I know we wouldn’t have thrown the first stone because we cannot claim that we have not sinned. We would have also walked away.

Actually no one could claim he or she is sinless so as to throw a stone this woman. Jesus had exposed their hypocrisy and embarrassed them. They went back in shame to think of some other ways to trap Jesus. No one had accused the woman, and Jesus kindly said that He would not condemn her either. Thus she was released through extravagant grace God shows sinners.

Jesus secured her freedom from the Pharisees and to free her from her sins said, “Go and sin no more.” Jesus didn’t condemn her, but neither did he ignore or condone her behaviour. Jesus told the woman to leave her life of sin.

As we have been graciously brought to this new day, we should not abuse the grace of God. He expects to see righteousness in us. Don’t think you deserve to be alive; it is by God’s grace. Live in gratitude like this woman having received God’s grace. Sing A&M 352; SS&S 581; Abu 195

Food for Thought: How grateful are you to God for the grace He showers on you?

Memory verse: John 8:11

Prayer: Lord, I am alive by your grace. Help me to live my life in gratitude for this singular honour in Jesus name. Amen.