There is one common thread that binds us; the power of Christ in what we believe and how we live. This day, let us accept the stream of grace that keeps flowing to our hearts and minds into the soul. Let us follow the Example of Jesus as we step ahead today.

Reading in John 7:1-24, Jesus didn’t want to go to Judea because the Jewish leaders were looking for a way to kill Him (v. 1). His brothers urged Him to go to Judea so the people could see His works. Jesus explains that the world hates Him because He testifies that its works are evil.

The feast of tabernacles was going on in Judea. Jesus stayed behind in Galilee while His brothers went to the festival. Eventually, Jesus went to the festival but tried to stay out of the limelight (v. 10). There was whispering about Jesus among the crowd. Some people at the feast said that Jesus was a good man, but others said that He was a deceiver.

Then Jesus began to teach at the festival and the Jews were amazed. They wondered how Jesus knew the Scriptures so well even though He had never been to seminary (v. 15). Jesus told them that they would know the source of His teaching by doing the will of God.

Several controversial subjects came up like them being angry about Him healing a man on the Sabbath. Another was about judging others. Jesus says, “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly (v. 24).

Jesus sees worth in all people, their strengths, and their potential. With forgiveness and letting go of what’s bitter, we amazingly can start to get how much Jesus loves all people. He’s given an example and it’s up to us to follow.

 This day, we are thankful that Jesus is our model to walk in the Spirit. Every life is sacred as our Creator has made each person in His own image. We all have a common parent in our Creator. No one is perfect so we never judge but build up and encourage. The blood of Jesus shed on the cross sets us free because of mercy and grace that makes us worthy. In Jesus name we pray, amen.