Romans 3:19-28 (NRSV)
Read Romans 3:19-28 on biblegateway.com
Verse 19Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. Verse 20For "no human being will be justified in his sight" by deeds prescribed by the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin. Verse 21But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, Verse 22the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, Verse 23since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; Verse 24they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, Verse 25whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; Verse 26it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies the one who has faith in Jesus. Verse 27Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. By what law? By that of works? No, but by the law of faith. Verse 28For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law.
Devotion
Image with me the intimacy of Jesus washing our feet. As he cradles our feet, what does he see? The grimy dirt, rough edges and unsightly calluses become evident to him and to us. Maybe overly pampered feet also are observed. “For there is no distinction; since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God ...” (v. 3:22-23)
Seeing the areas needing care, Jesus begins to wash our feet - seriously and playfully, roughly and gently. As dirt is scrubbed away, Jesus cleanses us from that which we have done and that which we have left undone. As water is poured over our feet, Jesus reconnects us to a vision of who we are and what we are called to do. As our feet are dried, Jesus sends us to wash the feet of others. We are “justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.” (v. 3:24)
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for the grace that your loving service gives us. Thank you for forgiving us, renewing our hope, and restoring our purpose. Amen.