Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: April 8, 2025

Tuesday of the 5th Week of Lent

Scripture Text: John 8:21-30

Jesus said to the Pharisees:

"I am going away and you will look for me, but you will die in your sin. Where I am going you cannot come." So, the Jews said, "He is not going to kill himself, is he, because he said, 'Where I am going you cannot come'?" He said to them, "You belong to what is below, I belong to what is above. You belong to this world, but I do not belong to this world. That is why I told you that you will die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I AM, you will die in your sins."

So, they said to him, "Who are you?" Jesus said to them, "What I told you from the beginning. I have much to say about you in condemnation. But the one who sent me is true, and what I heard from him I tell the world." They did not realize that he was speaking to them of the Father. So, Jesus said to them, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I AM, and that I do nothing on my own, but I say only what the Father taught me. The one who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, because I always do what is pleasing to him." Because he spoke this way, many came to believe in him.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

Today’s gospel that immediately follows the text from yesterday continues Jesus’ teaching that He is sent by the Father and that faith in Him is imperative. Jesus also points to His own death for our redemption.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I believe in Christ as Redeemer and Lord?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your only-begotten Son to live as our brother, to take upon himself our human nature, to suffer all we suffer except for sin. It was your will that He selflessly give himself though He was sinless to redeem us. Send the Spirit to illuminate our minds with the truth of your love for us born out in the gift of your beloved Son for our redemption. Grant that we may realize more fully and more deeply your love for us. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.