Daily Devotion

Thursday, March 5, 2026  

Today's Scripture
John 8:7

When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.

I have a lot of questions. Sometimes people appreciate my curiosity, and other times it might feel as if I am interrogating someone. People tend to be less appreciative of those questions. There’s a completely different energy to the curious questions and the interrogations.

Jesus was a rabbi, a teacher, and teachers are accustomed to questions. Certainly, there were followers who sought to understand him. What do you mean the last shall be first? Are you sure the meek shall inherit the earth? You want me to forgive someone how many times? Curious questions asked by people who were trying to understand the Jesus way of life. I imagine him patiently answering each question with a gentle voice and soft eyes. He encouraged them to ask questions until their curiosity was satisfied.

In the crowds of followers, there were also those who tried to trick and trap him with their questions. Mostly, these people were the religious leaders who wanted to protect their way of life and their grasp of power. Jesus’s answers often upended their understanding of the way things worked.

With curious questions, I imagine Jesus the rabbi sitting with his students. In this verse, Jesus straightened up. The energy shifted. When he straightened up, he was still patient, but maybe his voice was less soft. He was not interested in interrogating questions that were meant to harm.

Prayer

God of Mercy, let my understanding and love of people be bolstered by curiosity. Woe to me when I try to use your teachings to trick, trap, or mistreat people. Amen.

Written by Andrea Denney, Executive Director of Operational Ministries

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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