DAY 3 — Surprised by Grace
Day 3 — Surprised by Grace
Read: John 8:6–9; Romans 3:23
The crowd is waiting for Jesus to give an answer.
Instead, Jesus bends down.
He begins writing on the ground.
We aren’t told what He wrote—and maybe that’s intentional. What matters is what happens next.
“Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” — John 8:7
Suddenly, everyone holding a stone has to look at themselves.
One by one, they leave.
Jesus doesn’t claim the woman is innocent. Instead, He reminds the crowd that they aren’t innocent either.
Romans 3:23 puts all of us on level ground:
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
All.
Grace becomes amazing when we realize how desperately we need it.
It’s easy to compare sins. It’s easy to notice what’s wrong with someone else. It’s much harder to allow Jesus to expose what’s happening inside us.
Before we pick up a stone, Jesus invites us to look in the mirror.
And when we do, something changes. We become less interested in condemning people and much more grateful for grace.
The Church should be filled with people who are surprised they’ve received this much grace—and therefore eager to give it away.
Reflect
Prayer
Jesus, forgive me for the times I’m quicker to see someone else’s sin than my own. Thank You for the grace You have shown me. Make me humble, compassionate, and generous with that same grace. Amen.
Today’s Step:
Think of someone you’ve been frustrated with. Before thinking about what they need to change, pray: “Jesus, show me where I need Your grace too.”
Read: John 8:6–9; Romans 3:23
The crowd is waiting for Jesus to give an answer.
Instead, Jesus bends down.
He begins writing on the ground.
We aren’t told what He wrote—and maybe that’s intentional. What matters is what happens next.
“Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” — John 8:7
Suddenly, everyone holding a stone has to look at themselves.
One by one, they leave.
Jesus doesn’t claim the woman is innocent. Instead, He reminds the crowd that they aren’t innocent either.
Romans 3:23 puts all of us on level ground:
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
All.
Grace becomes amazing when we realize how desperately we need it.
It’s easy to compare sins. It’s easy to notice what’s wrong with someone else. It’s much harder to allow Jesus to expose what’s happening inside us.
Before we pick up a stone, Jesus invites us to look in the mirror.
And when we do, something changes. We become less interested in condemning people and much more grateful for grace.
The Church should be filled with people who are surprised they’ve received this much grace—and therefore eager to give it away.
Reflect
- Whose failures are easiest for you to notice?
- Where are you tempted to compare yourself to someone else?
- How does remembering your own need for grace change the way you treat others?
Prayer
Jesus, forgive me for the times I’m quicker to see someone else’s sin than my own. Thank You for the grace You have shown me. Make me humble, compassionate, and generous with that same grace. Amen.
Today’s Step:
Think of someone you’ve been frustrated with. Before thinking about what they need to change, pray: “Jesus, show me where I need Your grace too.”
Posted in Daily Devotional