Jesus is surprising. Devotional for Today, October 6. Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. He openly teaches people what pleases God. And that often doesn’t fit people’s ideas.
Devotional for Today, October 6
The Spirit of the Lord is on me
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor. (Luke 4:18-19)
The way Jesus calls for conversion shocks his contemporaries. Jesus tells everyone to turn to me and follow me just as you are here and now today. Forget all your evil deeds, habits, and sins. Start a new life as a white sheet of paper. God gives this opportunity to each one of you as a gift. God’s grace is given today to everyone who is determined to convert.
Devotional for every day here: Daily Devotional
Jesus’ expression of this position is evident in his sermon in the synagogue at Nazareth:
“He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19)
It was surprising to everyone that Jesus did not say that each one of you will face a judgment that will first punish you for all your sins before you can begin your journey to the kingdom of God. Yet, in the Old Testament, that is the only way the religious system worked.
Jesus Proclaims Forgiveness
But Jesus shows incredible forgiveness. Moreover, his proclamation of the “year of the Lord’s grace” begins and continues until the world’s end.
Even John the Baptist is shocked by Jesus’ behavior and, while in prison, sends messengers to Jesus to find out if Jesus is the promised Messiah.
Jesus’ response makes it clear that he realizes God’s love and wants to save every sinner. Jesus declares it again in Luke’s Gospel: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10)
And likewise, in the Gospel of John: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:17)
Jesus Speaks to Everyone
So now the focus. This call of Jesus to conversion applies to each one of us. Those “lost sheep” (Matthew 15:24; 10:6) are not the only people who have come to listen to Jesus. It is also said to us living 2000 years later; we may also have ideas about God that do not correspond to reality.
Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, You are a God not only of balance but also of change. Help us to know how to begin a new life in Your mercy and truth so that we can help others to grow. Write your words in our hearts and strengthen us with your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
