Take this day to catch up on your reading, pray, and rest in the presence of the Lord.
“For I satisfy the thirsty person and feed all those who are weak.” —Jeremiah 31:25
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47 thoughts on "Grace Day"
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Thank you for sharing!
I’m grateful God is there to meet our needs no matter our season or circumstances
I have a question about yesterday’s reading that I wondered if anyone could help me with. In John 8::15-16, Jesus says, “I judge no one. And if I do judge, my judgment is true, because it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me.” But earlier this week, we read in ch. 5, “The Father, in fact, judges no one but has given all judgment to the Son,” We know the Father and Son are One because we understand the Trinity in a way they didn’t yet when this teaching was spoken, so maybe it doesn’t even matter, but it is really confusing me today. And I have know many people who would point to this kind of stuff to say that the Bible is full of errors because they want a reason to not believe, just like the Pharisees. But I know there is more to it. I have looked in a couple of study Bibles I have, but I can’t find anything that addresses this question. Any thoughts?
This is the answer from AI which makes sense-
*The seeming contradiction between John 5:22 and John 8:15–16 is resolved by understanding that Jesus is speaking about different types of judgment and different points in time. In John 5, he declares his divine authority to judge, while in John 8, he explains that he does not exercise that authority according to superficial, human standards during his first coming.
Reconciliation of the passages
The apparent contradiction is resolved by considering the following distinctions:
-Function versus timing: Jesus has the authority to judge (as stated in John 5), but he chooses not to exercise it during his first coming, which is focused on salvation (as explained in John 8). His final judgment will take place in the future.
-Divine versus human judgment: In John 8, Jesus explicitly condemns the superficial, fleshly way the Pharisees judge others. His statement “I judge no one” means he does not judge in that flawed manner.
-Unity with the Father: John 8:16 shows that both John 5 and John 8 are consistent. Jesus affirms his unity with the Father by saying, “if I do judge, my decisions are true…because…I stand with the Father”. In both accounts, Jesus’s judgment is not independent but perfectly aligned with the Father’s will.
MARGARET- Very astute observation and so thoughtful of you to seek clarification. That is always helpful to the rest of us! Thank you! I found this in Bible Hub:
“Did Jesus judge others? (John 8:15 vs. John 5:22)
I. Introduction
In various passages of the Gospel of John, Jesus makes statements that appear at first glance to be in tension regarding His role as Judge. In John 5:22 we read, “Furthermore, the Father judges no one, but has assigned all judgment to the Son,” while in John 8:15 Jesus says, “You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one.” At face value, the first passage seems to confirm that judgment is indeed entrusted to Jesus, while the second appears to suggest that He does not judge. A careful study of these verses, their contexts, and related Scriptures, however, shows that they are consistent and ultimately reveal a fuller understanding of Jesus’ mission and nature.
II. Context of John 5:22
In John 5, Jesus is responding to religious leaders who are critical of His healing on the Sabbath (John 5:1-16). This discourse broadens into a profound teaching about His divine authority and relationship with the Father. John 5:22 declares, “Furthermore, the Father judges no one, but has assigned all judgment to the Son.”
This context underscores Jesus’ equality with the Father (John 5:18). By stating that “all judgment” has been entrusted to the Son, Jesus affirms His divinity and authoritative role. Far from negating the Father’s sovereignty, it clarifies that the Son’s judgment is in harmony with the Father’s will.
III. Context of John 8:15
In John 8, Jesus is conversing with the Pharisees. After the famous account of the woman allegedly caught in adultery (John 8:1-11), Jesus speaks to the Pharisees about who He is and the validity of His testimony (John 8:12-20). In that setting, He states, “You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one” (John 8:15).
Here, the phrase “You judge according to the flesh” points to a superficial, human standard of judgment-a purely external assessment. Jesus contrasts His approach by emphasizing that He does not judge in that manner. Moreover, in John 8:16, He clarifies, “But even if I do judge, My judgment is true,” indicating that if and when He does judge, it aligns with divine, not merely human, standards.
IV. Understanding Jesus’ Role in Judgment
1. Present Mission of Salvation
In many Gospel passages, Jesus highlights His mission of salvation. John 3:17 says, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” Jesus’ earthly ministry primarily centered on offering grace, teaching about the kingdom of God, and ultimately giving His life on the cross to atone for sin.
2. Future Role as Judge
While emphasizing that He came to save rather than condemn in His first advent, Jesus also plainly teaches that He will be the final Judge at the end of the age. In John 5:28-29, He predicts the resurrection of the dead and explains that some will rise “to live” and others “to condemnation,” a judgment carried out under His authority. This aligns with passages such as 2 Timothy 4:1 and Revelation 20:11-15, where Jesus presides over the final judgment.
V. Reconciling John 5:22 and John 8:15
1. Different Contexts of Judgment
• In John 5:22, Jesus highlights His ultimate ole as Judge, entrusted to Him by the Father.
• In John 8:15, Jesus is referring to the Pharisees’ tendency to make immediate, worldly judgments based on appearances and legalistic standards. Jesus’ words “I judge no one” mean He does not judge in the same flawed, superficial way.
2. Timing and Focus
• During His earthly ministry, Jesus’ primary focus was to bring salvation, not to enact final judgment (John 12:47-48).
• Nevertheless, He possesses the authority to judge perfectly and in unity with the Father’s will. In John 8:16, He says, “But even if I do judge, My judgment is true, because I am not alone; I am with the Father who sent Me.”
3. Unity with the Father
• John 5:19-23 elaborates on the Son’s perfect harmony with the Father. The Son’s judgment is the Father’s judgment, reflecting their unified nature.
• When Jesus says “I judge no one,” He is contrasting His divine, righteous standard with the Pharisees’ fleshly approach, not denying His ultimate judicial authority.
VI. The Broader Scriptural Witness
Throughout the New Testament, numerous passages confirm that Jesus is the appointed Judge and that His judgments are always just. Acts 17:31 asserts that God “has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed,” pointing to Jesus’ stainless qualification for this role.
Additionally, in 2 Corinthians 5:10, believers are reminded, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,” reaffirming that Christ will exercise ultimate judgment. At the same time, verses such as Luke 19:10 and John 3:17 show that in His earthly mission, He did not come to condemn but to seek and to save.
VII. Practical Implications
1. Grace and Accountability
Believers see in Christ an immeasurable measure of grace. He does not condemn rashly or as humans do. Yet, they also recognize that all people will give an account before Him at the proper time. This melding of grace and accountability provides both comfort for those who trust in Him and a sober reminder for all to walk righteously.
2. Following Jesus’ Example
Since Christ Himself refrained from passing superficial judgments, His followers are called to exercise mercy, humility, and discernment, seeking to live in a way that reflects His truth and love.
3. Hope for the Future
Jesus’ rightful role as Judge offers believers a confident hope that justice will ultimately prevail. In a world where human judgments can fail, His perfect justice stands as the final word, anchored in His divine authority.
VIII. Conclusion
When Jesus says, “I judge no one” in John 8:15 and simultaneously declares in John 5:22 that “the Father judges no one, but has assigned all judgment to the Son,” He is not contradicting Himself. Rather, He is revealing two aspects of His nature and mission:
• During His earthly ministry, He came to save rather than condemn, refusing to judge according to flawed human standards.
• He holds the ultimate authority to judge all humanity, entrusted to Him by the Father, and will carry out perfect judgment according to divine righteousness.
Taken together, these passages form a consistent picture: Jesus is both Savior and Judge. He extends merciful grace in the present age yet will one day execute divine justice at the appointed time. This balance of grace and judgment reflects the unified testimony of Scripture and offers profound hope and sobriety for all who hear His words.”
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Hope this clears that up for anyone we may encounter with an argument. ❤
Thank you to both Rhonda and CeeGee for taking the time to find all of that information for me. I know it’s out there, but I own only one commentary, and I’m not very handy with online resources. So I’m going to screenshot your comments and make a note in my book to reference it later. (Arthritis and time make it tough for me to copy that all out, but it does make sense to me.)
I too was wondering…
Thank you Rhonda and CeeGee!
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Good morning and Happy Saturday! Joining y’all from Nevada City (still in California). My friend Gretchen, sent me a pic of John’s Study book from her hotel and I was still trying to make a cup of coffee!! WE are here for her son’s wedding! So grateful for our friendship as we have been part of SRT for quite some time! Thank you Lord for quenching my spiritual thirst feeding my soul with your WORD to give me strength that can ONLY come for YOU! It was Gretchen who introduced me to SRT and here we are! My son is the best man. We were pregnant at the same time with our boys and now they are best friends as well. God is good!
That is really neat! Our God is an Awesome God!! Hope she has a very special day as mother of the groom and all her friends there to celebrate with her!
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So many great comments! This verse was perfect for me this week after having such a nonstop week of serving others. A day to rest in the Lird!
Reading this in context:
23 This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: “When I bring them back from captivity, the people of Judah and its towns will again say, ‘The Lord bless you, O righteous home, O holy mountain!’
24 Townspeople and farmers and shepherds alike will live together in peace and happiness.
25 For I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing.”
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Quote from Max Lucado:
“Our enemy won’t have the final say, and our testing won’t last forever. God will restore our health, our fortunes, and our relationships.”
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Sisters, as the song says,
“strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow;
great is thy faithfulness, LORD unto me.”
Love that Max Lucado quote. ❤️
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Amen
This is such a simple, beautiful verse. We that know the Lord, feel the intensity and weight behind it! We know that people are lost and empty without the Lord. They have a parched throat that keeps searching and seeking just a taste of anything wet on their tongue to cure, to sastisfy, to quench. I don’t know that we can realize this, for most of us have never gone long without water. We can’t imagine having to walk a mile, or more, to retrieve it ourselves. We can only go so long, our bodies, without water. We can’t function without it. Our organs, muscles, and every cell NEEDS it to function. And that is God to our souls. We need him to fully operate and work right. Otherwise we wither and die.
Same with the food, it nourishes us so our bodies work correctly. As a fitness coach most of my life, it amazes me of where we as Americans have gone with our health. It comes down mainly to what we put in our bodies. Will we choose nutrient rich foods to nourish us or fill it with junk and empty calories. Yet, look at any household and you will find soft drinks, candy, chips, factory made foods and ice cream. It’s a simple choice.
We are some wacky humans, we know what we need but don’t want to do it. I know I need to exercise to have strong muscles and bones, and heart and lungs. I know I must do cardio to enhance my function and have endurance. I also know that veggies and fruit are God’s perfect food made for our bodies, yet often had rather have something out of a bag or wrapper.
It’s funny I made my living keeping people accountable. Yeah, I guess I had knowledge on the exercises they should do….but mainly they came to me 3x or 2x a week because they wouldn’t do it otherwise. Church can be that for us, our weekly insight and instruction..but we have to make the choice daily to read his word, to spend time with him. Choosing to pray and listen. Choosing to let him quench our thirst and feed our soul!!!
Otherwise I will have a diet of what the world gives me. The factory produced stuff that will not only NEVER work, but is harmful and leads to harm and decay.
I think of the hymn Every Hour I need thee…not sure the name.
I have a busy morning/day. We have Serve My City today at church! I love SMC day, but my group also meets on Saturday mornings, so we are going to do a combo. Have class and then write some cards out to add to the homeless gift bags. After that we have a Jail Ministry luncheon/meeting. I’m not sure I told ya’ll but I am the leader now of the ministry! My leader stepped down because she is a new grandma and will be spending time away with them now. So this luncheon is kinda me taking the reins and also going over some of the “rules” and guidelines that have kinda gotten lax. I don’t look forward to giving speeches..even though it is such a small group. But I just want to lead well.
Praying for all of you, my She’s! Have a great wkd!
Lifting you to Jesus, Dear Rhonda!! You and He have “got this”!! ♥️
Good comparison. Health, diet, exercise. I agree most don’t want to do it. Or they need someone to push them. Same with our daily walk with Jesus. We need accountability.
Good luck! You will do great!
Sounds like ny weekend last week! You know what?! I made it through because of the prayers y’all prayed and God answered. I did not tire, which is most unusual. Praying for you to separate your thoughts from one ministry to the next and just the right words for your meeting!
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Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience in comparison to the Christian walk. All true! I remember a phrase the church utilized for the kids when my kids were young and personal computers were a new thing:
GARBAGE IN GARBAGE OUT. ❤
Congratulations and praying over your leadership!
I love your perspective on this simple verse!
Thank you sweet She’s!
Jeremiah 31:25 in NKJV reads
“For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.”
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BG verse for today is Psalm 27:14
Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!
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SANDI – praying for total elimination of all corn allergens and full recovery from effects
TANYA ❤️
CEE GEE ❤️ thanks for heads up on Emmanuel video, and all the Light of the World songs! ❤️
MERCY ❤️ “Don’t use grace as a license to stay in unrepentant sin.” Awesome. Joining CEE GEE in appreciation of your comments, thank you!
MICHELLE P ❤️ praying, sister, for the perfect fit job!
SHARON JERSEY GIRL ❤️ praying for your sons’ safe travels
WENDY B ❤️ praying for safe & manageable travels plus a wonderful time with family & little Jack. What a gift that your daughter & family are able & willing to meet part way.
RHONDA J ❤️ yes, DOROTHY and so many more
THERESE – praying for Joann ❤️
I absolutely love that translation! Wow! Thank you for sharing! (heart)
Thankyou for praying
I read several versions of this verse but did not read the NKJV. I love that! Also, loved the NLT “For I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing.” I am in a Prayer retreat today and this is such a sweet verse to read and soak in!
Satiated, replenished!
Wait, strengthen!
Great words to cling to for sure! When He is the One doing all but the wait. Pretty good deal, right?! ❤
Praying over all the requests! Thanks for Ps 27:14! Needed it!
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As I get ready to go off to assist my friend to cater a wedding with 200 guests, LORD, I will hold your words and pray this verse throughout my day.
Not only to feed the guests and those around physically, LORD, but in someway, spiritually too. LORD, may I be your hands and feet, sharing You and my fsith in You through my actions and words bringing refreshment to those who are ‘thirsty’ and need feeding.
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LORD, I look to you, in Jesus’s name I pray, Amen.
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Happy Saturday, covered in much love to you all.♥️♥️
Praying for you and your friend and those that will be blessed by you today. ❤️ And wow, 200 guests!
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Tina, agreeing with SEARCHING! See my reply to Rhonda about last weekend! ❤
Praying for you today!
This verse is very appropriate for my prayer request. Have a lovely Saturday,ladies.
Could you keep my husband in prayer. He’s recovering from hidden ingredients friend corn allergies that have been at least 20 years and has eliminated it but still has some residue. Thanks
I am so sorry; I thought that was behind you! ❤ Praying his body detoxes sufficiently for relief! soon! ❤
Praying for him! Food allergies are difficult to deal with especially when you go out to eat or food others prepared! I usually just eat at home before I go anywhere!
He has 1 more hurdles which may take a few months,it stresses me more than him. Thankyou for praying
Grace Day posted before midnite… woohoo! (And I am out of bed before midnite. I’m hoping that is a good sign. My MO is to be up for about an hour, then head back to bed. If this works, as it often does, I will get about seven hours of shut eye… Hope so!)
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Happy Saturday (even though it is still Friday!), sweet She’s!
Praying you’ll get back to sleep
❤ prayer emoji didn’t work though I keep trying!
Praying you get much needed rest!