Reading Through John Devotionals – Week 8
See all Devotionals: https://graceforohio.org/category/reading-through-john-devotionals/
Day 50
This week we will be reading the opening verses of this chapter multiple days… each day will bring a different perspective and learning from the life of Jesus .
In this poignant story, we come across a woman caught in the depths of her shame. The religious leaders, eager to pass judgment, present her to Jesus as if she were a mere object in their theological debate. Their surface reasoning was that the Law of Moses demanded that she be put to death for her sin. Their true intent, however, was to trap Jesus into what they saw as a no-win situation.
However, Jesus responds instead with compassion, inviting anyone present without sin to be the first to cast their stone, reminding us that we too have our moments of imperfection. His simple but profound response illustrates how it is all too easy to overlook our own flaws while carrying stones of judgment, ready to cast them at others for their faults. Instead, as He says in Matthew 7:5, we should be more concerned about the log in our own eye before attempting to remove the speck in someone else’s.
As we reflect upon this story, let us delve deeper into our own hearts. When have we been quick to judge others, oblivious to our own mistakes? Can we recognize the stones of judgment we carry within us and are we willing to let them go?
PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
When have I been quick to judge others without considering my own mistakes?
How can I recognize the stones of judgment I carry within me, and what steps can I take to release them?
PERSONAL APPLICATION:
Today, make a conscious effort to pause before passing judgment on someone. Instead, focus on your own personal growth and understanding of the grace God extends to you. Take time for introspection, seeking to understand yourself and your relationship with God. Extend a compassionate gesture towards yourself today. Acknowledge your imperfections and remind yourself of God’s grace. By doing so, you can begin the journey of freeing yourself from the weight of judgment and self-condemnation.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, help me to recognize the stones of judgment in my heart. Grant me the wisdom to see my own flaws and the grace to show compassion to myself, just as You do. Amen.
Day 51
Jesus’ words in this encounter challenge not only the Pharisees but also us. Often, we carry heavy stones of judgment, conveniently forgetting our own imperfections. When we pass judgment on others, we unknowingly burden ourselves with the weight of our own self-righteousness. Today’s reflection invites us to examine the weight of these stones and their profound impact on our relationships and spiritual journey. How have our judgments influenced our own personal growth? What self-righteous burdens have we carried, and how have they affected our connection with God?
In a world that often accentuates external appearances and superficial values, Jesus’ message serves as a powerful reminder. He urges us to look beyond the surface, to gaze into the depths of our hearts, and to confront the biases and prejudices that cloud our perception. Instead of casting stones, Jesus invites us to extend a hand, showing mercy and compassion to those who may have stumbled along the way. By doing so, we not only alleviate the burden of judgment but also open the door to a deeper understanding of our shared humanity.
We must recognize that we are all on a journey of growth and transformation, marked by both successes and failures. None of us are immune to making mistakes, yet too often, we hold others to an impossibly high standard while excusing our own shortcomings. Jesus’ teachings remind us of the importance of humility and self-reflection. They prompt us to examine our motives behind passing judgment, questioning whether it truly stems from a desire for justice or simply an inflated sense of superiority.
Let us also consider how our judgments affect our relationships, both with others and with God. When we allow judgment to dictate our interactions, it creates barriers and distances us from genuine connection. It fosters an environment of division rather than unity. However, when we choose empathy and understanding instead of judgment, we open ourselves up to the transformative power of love.
PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
How has passing judgment on others affected my own spiritual journey and relationship with God?
Can I identify the burdensome stones of self-righteousness I’ve been carrying, and what steps can I take to release them?
PERSONAL APPLICATION:
Take a moment to forgive yourself for past mistakes and release the heavy burden of judgment you may have been carrying towards yourself. Embrace the freedom that comes from self-compassion and grace. Seek to understand yourself better today. Delve into self-reflection, recognizing that you are a work in progress. Extend love and compassion to yourself as you would to a friend in need.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to release the heavy burden of judgment that weighs on my heart. Teach me to forgive myself as You forgive me. Amen.
Day 52
In this powerful and profoundly moving moment, Jesus offers not condemnation but an extraordinary display of mercy to the adulterous woman. As she stands before Him, vulnerable and exposed, expecting judgment and punishment, He surprises everyone with His response. Instead of condemning her, He delivers a profound statement that echoes through the ages: “Neither do I.“
These words reverberate in our hearts, reminding us of God’s immeasurable capacity for mercy and compassion. In this encounter, Jesus teaches us a lesson that extends far beyond the specific situation. He challenges societal expectations, breaks down barriers, and offers a radical redefinition of justice and grace. It is a testament to His unwavering belief in the inherent worth and potential for redemption in every human being.
In this story, Jesus shows us that mercy triumphs over judgment. He exemplifies unconditional love and forgiveness, and extends a hand of compassion to those who have made mistakes, acknowledging their humanity and urging them to seek a better path.
May this story of mercy and grace inspire us to become vessels of compassion in a world that so desperately needs it. As we encounter others, let us embody the radical and transformative mercy of Jesus, creating a ripple effect of love and understanding that knows no bounds.
Even so, we are often our own harshest critics, holding ourselves to impossible standards of perfection. But Jesus’s response to the adulterous woman reminds us that we too are deserving of compassion and forgiveness.
As we reflect on this powerful encounter, let us consider the times when we ourselves have experienced God’s mercy in our lives. Let us remember the moments when we have stumbled, struggled, or faltered, yet found solace in His endless grace. In recognizing our own imperfections and vulnerabilities, we can identify with the woman in the story and stand before Jesus just as she did – in need of His transformative mercy.
PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
How has God’s mercy impacted my life?
How can I show more mercy to myself, recognizing that I am not perfect?
PERSONAL APPLICATION:
Today, take a moment to forgive yourself for past mistakes and commit to moving forward in a more positive direction. Embrace God’s mercy for your own life. Recognize that God’s forgiveness extends to you, just as it did to the woman in this story.
PRAYER:
Gracious Father, thank You for Your boundless mercy. Help me to carry that mercy into my life, showing it to myself just as You have shown it to me. Amen
Day 53
Jesus, in His teachings, goes beyond merely addressing the external act of adultery. He dives deep into the core of our being, emphasizing the condition of our hearts. He calls us to a level of purity that permeates not just our actions, but also our thoughts, intentions, and desires.
It is not enough to abstain from the physical act of adultery; Jesus challenges us to examine the thoughts and desires that reside in our hearts. He wants us to be pure in motive, to have minds free from impure and lustful thoughts. For He understands that thoughts hold immense power, and they can shape our actions and the way we relate to others.
The pursuit of purity requires constant vigilance and self-reflection. It means actively guarding our hearts and minds, keeping them free from the pollution of impure thoughts and desires. It requires us to align our thoughts with the values and teachings of Jesus, filling our minds with thoughts of love, grace, forgiveness, and compassion.
Just as Jesus has shown us immeasurable compassion and mercy, we are called to extend the same to ourselves and others. When we perceive our flaws and imperfections in the light of His perfection, we can see others through the lens of understanding, compassionately responding to their shortcomings, and offering support and encouragement.
So, let us reflect on the importance of a pure heart, recognizing that Jesus calls us to a higher standard of purity in our thoughts, intentions, and actions. May we find the strength and guidance to show compassion and mercy to ourselves and others, forging deeper connections and growing in our relationship with God.
PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
How can I purify my heart and thoughts to better reflect God’s love for me?
How might my thought life impact my ability to show self-compassion?
PERSONAL APPLICATION:
Practice guarding your thoughts today, focusing on purity and avoiding self-criticism and self-judgment. Understand that God’s desire for purity extends to your thoughts and intentions.
PRAYER:
Lord, purify my heart and my thoughts, that I may better reflect Your love for me and extend that love to myself. Amen.
Day 54
In the final reflection of this passage, it is important to remember that Jesus came to save, not to condemn. According to the Bible, Jesus did not come to judge the world, but to save it. He was given authority to judge, but chose not to at that time. His mission was to provide a way out of judgment and to save the world. Jesus’ purpose was to save, not to condemn. Those who believe in Him will not be judged, but will have eternal life. However, those who do not believe in Him are already condemned.
Jesus calls us to extend grace over stones, beginning with ourselves. This means that we should be kind and compassionate towards ourselves and others. We should not be quick to judge or condemn others for their mistakes or shortcomings. Instead, we should try to understand their perspective and offer them grace and forgiveness. By doing so, we can create a more loving and compassionate world.
Reflecting on how you can align your actions with His mission of salvation and grace for your own life is an important step in your spiritual journey. You can start by examining your thoughts and actions and identifying areas where you can improve. You can also pray for guidance and ask God to help you become more like Jesus. By doing so, you can become a better person and make a positive impact on the world around you.
Finally, it is important to understand that God’s desire is for you to experience His grace, not judgment. God loves you unconditionally and wants you to experience His love and forgiveness. No matter what you have done in the past, you can always turn to God and ask for forgiveness. He will always be there for you and will never abandon you.
PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
How can I model Jesus’ mission of salvation in my daily life, starting with self-compassion?
In what areas do I need to replace stones of self-judgment with grace toward myself?
PERSONAL APPLICATION:
Take a moment to reach out to yourself with self-forgiveness and self-compassion. Embrace the opportunity to extend Jesus’ mission of salvation to yourself. Understand that God desires to save and redeem you, not condemn you.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, help me to be an instrument of Your grace and salvation in my own life. May my actions and words reflect Your mission of love and redemption for myself. Amen.
Day 50-54 Provided by Acres of Hope Christian Fellowship.
Day 55
Jesus makes an amazing statement at the beginning of this passage by saying He was the light of the world and whoever would follow Him would never walk in darkness. Jesus refers to darkness as sin and spiritual ignorance. Jesus refers back to the words from the prophet Isaiah: “The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone” (Isaiah 9:2).
As Jesus was making this statement, the Jewish leaders heard Him loud and clear that Jesus was saying He was the fulfillment of this prophecy. A few verses later in Isaiah 9:6, we read:
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Jesus was the fulfillment of this prophecy even though many of the Jewish leaders refused to believe in Him.
PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
What does it mean to you that Jesus is the light of the world? What did Jesus mean when he said, “when you have lifted up the Son of Man?”
PERSONAL APPLICATION:
Jesus said that the people would die in their sins if they didn’t believe in Him. Have you made the decision to follow Jesus? Who are those people in your life who need to hear your story about faith?
PRAYER:
Dear Jesus, thank you for giving your life so that I could spend eternity with you. Who are those people in my world who need to know you? Please give me the opportunity and the courage to speak into their lives today. Amen.
Day 56
In this passage, the Jews continue to push back against Jesus’ claim that God is His father. Jesus drops some truth on them in verse 44. In this verse, we learn a little more about the evil one and his nature – there is no truth in him, and his only language is lying. We have to be so careful about what and who we listen to, as the evil one is very crafty and able to take the good things in this life and distort them. Often, he only tweaks them a little bit to lure people in. Peter gives us some timely instruction concerning the evil one: “8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith…” (I Peter 5:8,9)
Jesus wraps up the chapter with a very direct statement. In verse 58, He says, “Very truly I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!” It is interesting that after Jesus makes this statement, the Jewish leaders tried to kill Him because He claimed to be God. Often, you hear people say that Jesus never made this claim; however, in this one statement, Jesus made that claim abundantly clear as He used the phrase “I AM.”
Do you remember the story in the Old Testament where God spoke to Moses in the burning bush? In Exodus 3, we read about the conversation: “13 Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”
As Jesus used the name “I AM,” He was saying He was God, signifying His eternal, self-existent nature, meaning He is the one who always was, is, and will be.
PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
What does it mean to you that you will know the truth and that the truth will set you free?
How does it change your thinking knowing that Jesus said before Abraham was born, I AM?
PERSONAL APPLICATION:
Since we belong to the great I AM, we can trust in His incredible power, rest in His immediate presence, and know His perfect peace.
PRAYER:
Jesus, you are the great I AM and today I worship you as the self-existent ruler of the universe. I trust you with my life and all the things I am worried about today. Thank you that even though you are the ruler of everything, you know me and care about my life. Amen.
Day 55-56 Provided by Grace Church.
See all Devotionals: https://graceforohio.org/category/reading-through-john-devotionals/