Jesus Receives Us Sinners
Sunday’s Verse:
From John 1:12 ESV
“But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.”
There is a world of comfort packed into this single verse.
John does not say people become God’s children by earning His favor. We do not improve ourselves or prove our worth. He says we receive Christ and believe in His name. God gives us the right to become His children.
That is pure grace.
In Lutheran teaching, this verse reminds us that salvation is God’s gift from beginning to end. Furthermore, faith itself is not a work we perform to impress God; rather, it is the empty hand that receives Jesus. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He has done all for us.
The world constantly tells us to build our identity on achievement, appearance, success, or others' approval. But those things shift like sand. In Christ, God gives us a new identity. It lasts: we are His beloved children.
When guilt weighs on your conscience, remember your Baptism and God’s promise. If you feel forgotten or uncertain, call upon Him as your Father. Suffering may come, but you are not abandoned. Children belong in their Father’s house. He does not cast them away.
John’s words are direct and caring: Jesus receives sinners and brings them into His family.
✝️ A Prayer for Today:
Almighty Father, thank you for receiving me into Your Holy Family. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
The image above was licensed through Unsplash+