August 16, 2026 -- Matthew 21:10b-11 -- Remembering the worst as we remember God's best
/People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!
“Who is this?” And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”
Matthew 21:10b-11 ESV
These words were spoken at Jesus’ triumphal entry; on the Sunday we identify as Palm Sunday. Crowds called Jesus, “Jesus of Nazareth”. It is the name of insult, now it seems to be somewhat redeemed. Perhaps spoken in wonder. What it teaches us is that Jesus redeems us from our sin and our shame. The naming of our sin and our past is something we must remember. Why?
When we remember who we were, where we came from, and all that Jesus has done for us, we can praise God with our whole heart.
When we remember His mercy and reconciling grace, we are not ashamed of our past, but relieved that God knows the absolute worst about ourselves and has redeemed us.
When we remember all of this, we can show grace to others who are locked in sin and struggling against their past. We can reach out unafraid because we know the powerful love of God breaks chains.
When we know our own weaknesses and our past failures, we have a clear warning so that we don’t go back to what we were. We are therefore also strong accountability partners for one another, prepared to snatch one another back from going to old sins and old ways.
When we know our own past, and have made peace with God, we can be patient with those who are less kind, less compassionate, who are pharisaical in their dealings with others.
Last Thursday, a part-time chaplain at Springhill Institution taught me this simple prayer. It seems so appropriate as a conclusion to this brief devotion.
God help me to see others as You see them.
God help others to see me as You see me.
God help me to see myself as You see me.
Amen.
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