Even though we have been forgiven for a boatload of sin, we often short-circuit God’s grace by withholding forgiveness from others. Jesus challenges us to extend God’s grace by offering forgiveness to everyone. As we encounter divine grace we will want to share it with others.
Text: Matthew 18:21-35In this story of the woman caught in adultery, we see that Jesus bestows His amazing grace in the midst of the judgment of others. It’s so easy for us to get angry with those who sin differently than we do. Jesus challenges our grace-killing attitudes and gives this woman a fresh start.
Text: John 8:2-11In this parable of the two lost sons in need of grace, we discover that the Father’s unmerited favor is so much a part of His character that He can’t help but give grace to those who need it. While some of us are like the younger brother, others of us are more like the older brother who sinned while staying home.
Text: Luke 15:11-32Most of us are accustomed to getting what we work for, of receiving what is due to us. In this parable, Jesus challenges us with the scandal of grace – He gives freely to people no matter how hard they work for it. While we love the benefits of grace, it’s often difficult for us when that same grace is bestowed on others.
Text: Matthew 20:1-16Nicodemus was on a search for grace when he came to Jesus at night. Just as Jesus pointed him to the second birth, so too, He challenges us today to complete our search for grace by putting our faith in Him. Grace is a gift, but it has to be received in order for it to be activated in our lives.
Text: John 3:1-18Children loved to hang around with Jesus. In this text, we see that the disciples didn’t want Jesus to be bothered by kids – Jesus’ response shows us that we are to honor children, showing them grace instead of harshness. Children also serve as models for adults – if we want to enter the kingdom, we must learn to become like them.
Text: Mark 10:13-16