Christian Reflection and Prayer

Lenten Devotion

"So they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid
Himself and went out of the temple" (John 8:59).

Read John 8:45-59.

Now the crowd could prove whether they were truly children
of God as they claimed, or children of the devil as Jesus had
said. Would they come running to the Savior for forgiveness
and life, or cling to the dark lies of Satan? John tells us their
grim decision: "they picked up stones to throw at Him."

You and I go to church and in Baptism God made us His
very own children. But how often do we live as if we weren't?
How attentive are we when we hear or read Jesus' words?
How closely do we follow Him in our words and actions? Are
we willing to pray "Your will be done?" or do we only want to
accept Jesus on our own terms? Are we as quick to turn on
Him as the crowds were?

Jesus miraculously hides Himself and leaves the temple
grounds. The time for His death is drawing near, but He will
not die at the hands of an angry mob under a pile of rocks at
the temple. He will be dragged outside of the city at the hands
of the Roman soldiers and nailed to a cross.

Even today Jesus' words often bring a violent reaction. If we
are walking in darkness we are not always excited to hear the
truth. But Christ promises to wash away our sins and restore
us in faith. He will guard and protect us and finally bring us to
our eternal home where we will always walk in His light.

THE PRAYER:

Lord, give courage to all Your faithful people who bring Your
light into our dark world. Empower me to turn from the
darkness and share my faith as You guide and protect me.
In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Written by Rev. Wayne Palmer