Thursday prior to Easter 2

 

1 John 1:1—2:2—If we confess our sin, God forgives us, for Jesus’ sake.

St. John, in his epistle, assures us that his knowledge of Christ is from a first-hand experience. John testifies to the fact of Christ’s resurrection by recounting how he has seen the resurrected Savior, how he has heard him, and how he has touched Him. We need have no doubt that Christ is risen from the dead, and therefore, has forgiven all our sins.

John explains that the message Christ gave these witnesses: God’ is light. When we walk in the light, we have fellowship with him and with each other. To sin is to live in darkness. For this reason Christ came to the world; to expiate the sins of the world. To deny sin is to be untruthful. To confess sin is to be forgiven by God for Jesus’ sake.

John uses a strong word; “expiation.” Expiation is more than covering our sin. Expiation eradicates sin. John says the blood of Jesus cleanses us from sin. (v.7) Blood means life and Jesus’ sacrifice of his life on the cross made it possible for our sin to be washed away. 

This leaves us spiritually clean and acceptable to God. It was Jesus’ sacrifice that satisfied the justice of God. Grace is the fact that God paid the price for us in Jesus.    

Prayer for teaching the faith: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, even as You have committed the care and nurture of children to Your people, graciously enlighten those who teach and those who are committed to their instruction that they may know Your eternal truth and trust in You all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for faith, hope, and love: Almighty God, grant us a steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, a cheerful hope in Your mercy, and a sincere love for You and one another; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 

Sources:

The Incredulity of Saint Thomas by the Italian Baroque master Caravaggio, c. 1601–1602 copyright © Wikipedia

Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B, John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH

Prayers from Lutheran Service Book (2006) Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis