John 19:11 Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”

The discussion of “levels of sin” can be a slippery slope, because no sin is acceptable before God, but there are obviously differences. The problem comes in the fact that we tend to condemn others’ sins and make light of our own. In this particular case, the very men whom Jesus said were guilty of a greater sin than Pilate, who condemned Jesus to death, thought of themselves as approved by God because they were careful of the legalistic requirements of the Levitical Law. That shows how blind we can be! Likewise Paul, when he was busy persecuting the believers, thought he was being zealous for God. In his case God very mercifully brought him up short with a personal encounter, as recorded in Acts 9, but there have been similar situations throughout the 2000 years since then. Jesus Himself said, “The time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God.” (John 16:2) We are not to excuse sin, but neither are we to run around pointing fingers. Rather, in all humility we are to repent of our own sins and be available to Christ in His work of destroying the works of the devil. (1 John 3:8)

I will never forget the moment when the Lord showed me the depth of my own sin of spiritual pride. At least I had better never forget it! Ever since that moment I have been “unshockable” in relation to other people’s sins. When I could be that way given all the advantages I had been given, I know that human beings are capable of unspeakable depravity. That said, Jesus’ cross was sufficient for it all. Anyone who turns from their sin in repentance and faith discovers forgiveness that shatters all our preconceptions. I was talking with a minister friend last night who recently baptized someone in their hospital bed two days before their physical death, and a few years ago I did the same. It is far better to turn to God in repentance when you are far younger, but it’s never too late! Cathy and I have a friend who has passed her 100^th birthday, and just before Christmas she said “Yes” to Jesus being born in her heart. At this point she still has some confusion about it, but God is faithful, and we entrust her to Him. I am to seek to be God’s agent of grace to all I am with, no matter how they, or others, might judge their sins.

Father, thank You for reminding me of this. Thank You for the experience, many years ago, of being part of a congregation that voted to accept someone as a member, when that person had been won to faith while on death row, and was not able to be physically baptized before his execution. Thank You that Your grace is indeed sufficient for anything and everything we submit to You. Praise God!