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By Mike Caton

John 10:32, but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?”

Jesus has a valid question here, what are you going to stone me for? He tells them he has done many good works from the Father, which one is worthy of stoning? Think about what Jesus actually did: he went around teaching the truth, he healed all manners of sickness and diseases, he fed the people on a couple of occasions, he cast out demons, he touched (and healed) lepers that showed his compassion for people, he associated with the sinners the people who needed God’s love, he accepted people who were outcasts. Jesus did all the things that the world needs, the things that we should be doing.

Or think about it another way, what bad, evil, or wrong thing had Jesus done? What had he done that deserved being stoned? That answer is nothing, he was without sin, perfect. In Luke 23:4 Pilate says he finds no basis for charges against Jesus. He has done nothing wrong, especially nothing that deserves death. And yet, at that point, his Jewish enemies continue to push for and receive the death penalty for Jesus.

We understand none of us are perfect, we stumble and fall short every day. But what are we known for? When people think about us, do they have good thoughts or bad thoughts? Do they think about the good we do or the bad? Let’s be honest, we all know folks who, when we think about them, we have a certain set of thoughts. Not that we are the judge, but we can see the fruit of their lives. But this is not about others, it is about us, about you and me. We need to live our lives in such a way that we bring good thoughts, a smile, a happiness to those who are around us and who think about us. And that goodness ought to be a reflection of our father in heaven as well.

Father, help my actions point to you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Mike Caton is the preacher at Mount Olive Church of Christ in Belhaven. He volunteers at the Ponzer Fire Department and works part time with Hyde County EMS. If you would like to receive daily devotions in your inbox, email mikecaton@centurylink.net.

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