Sunday: The Grace of Jesus
Daily Lesson for Sunday 20th of September 2026
It is inspiring that at the end of 2 Corinthians, we see a reference to the grace of Jesus, just as in the opening (2 Corinthians 1:2, 2 Corinthians 13:14). Paul begins and closes this letter with a reference to His grace. As we saw at the beginning of this quarter, he couldn’t stop thinking and speaking about Jesus.
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9, NKJV).
Image © Bible Adventure Collection at Goodsalt.com
How admirable and irresistible is the grace of Jesus! He left the riches of His eternal existence in heaven to become poor. He walked down the dusty roads of ancient Galilee. “He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8, ESV). He did so in order for us to become “rich,” namely, for us to have a chance to be with Him in heaven. It’s hard for us, who have known only a world of sin, death, and suffering even to begin to grasp what it meant for Jesus to have left the courts of heaven in order to come here and offer His life for us.
Read Romans 16:20, Galatians 6:18, Philippians 4:23, and 1 Thessalonians 5:28. What important teaching do you see in these passages?
Paul refers to the grace of Jesus very often in his letters. Some pearls include, “The free gift by the grace of . . . Jesus Christ abounded for many” (Romans 5:15, ESV). Those who receive this abundance of grace will “reign in life through . . . Jesus” (Romans 5:17, ESV). As occurs with 2 Corinthians, Paul also begins and ends other letters mentioning the grace of Jesus (Romans 1:7, Romans 16:20, 1 Corinthians 1:3, 1 Corinthians 16:23, Galatians 1:3, Galatians 6:18, Philippians 1:2, Philippians 4:23). This topic occupied his thoughts, and he wanted it to fill the minds of the Corinthians, too.
This was his wish for all the churches. Notice what he says to the Ephesians: “Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love” (Ephesians 6:24, NIV). Would he wish for us to love Jesus less than that, an undying love? Certainly not. After all, his wish was for the grace of Jesus to reach “more and more people” (2 Corinthians 4:15, NIV) and become sufficient for them just as it was for him (2 Corinthians 12:9).
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Think about God’s grace toward you like this. What do you deserve for the kind of things you have said and done? What, however, does God’s grace offer you instead? |
Many years ago I remember being involved in a Voice of Prophecy initiative to do a public survey to find the most well-known hymn. “Amazing Grace” was the clear winner. Even secular people seem to connect with that hymn. I once had a recording of a famous Scottish pipe band playing it and for a while it was near the top of the popular recording list.
There is something about the hymn that strikes a resonance even in secular minds and hearts.
We Christians think we have grace all tied up and love to quote our favourite texts:
… and we have our definition: “unmerited favour”, but like all really deep ideas, words don’t really describe it.
I submit that we only really appreciate grace when we share it with others.
When I was a kid, I took a liking to a particular kind of toffee. So, I bought a box of these toffees and took them home and hid them from the rest of the family. I ate them all myself, secretly. I thought I was going to be in gastronomic heaven. Turned out that eating delightful food by yourself is not such a good idea.
Grace shared with others is what Christianity is all about. And while it is good to recite the verses and definitions, we need to remind ourselves that God has given us the responsibility of sharing grace with others. It has meaning only when shared.
“Amazing grace, oh, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found
Was blind, but now I see.”
On that note, here’s the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards performing Amazing Grace.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8AeV8Jbx6M
I really appreciated your sharing this.
Similar to one of the commentaries on the video, I started to tear up after the soloist and when the whole group was playing (at about 1:00 in the video)
It’s a moving piece that inspires reflection on God’s grace.
Thanks again for sharing.
Thanks for sharing! It was beautiful!!
There is nothing good about us human beings that compels or obligates God to act with favour, goodness, kindness and mercy towards us. Inherently, there is nothing in us that merits or deserves God’s favour, goodness, kindness and mercy. God freely chooses to show mercy, forgive, reconcile, transform, and ultimately save. Grace is indeed one of the clearest demonstrations of God’s sovereign freedom and goodness. Our salvation is not God’s response to discovering anything good in mankind worth saving. We are the recipients of God’s grace because of His gracious goodwill. We can now say that grace is an expression of God’s favour, goodness, mercy and kindness to those who do not merit or deserve it.
It is important to note why Paul has greatly developed the teaching about grace in most of his writings. It makes a lot of sense, taking into account his own conversion and calling. “The grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 1:14). Now Paul is not only writing as a beneficiary of the grace of Jesus but also as a steward of the same grace. “the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you” (Ephesians 3:2). The life of Paul is an expression of the grace of Jesus.
Paul is not simply telling us what God has done for us, but he is telling us how we should live. Grace gives us a new identity. In Christ Jesus we are now justified, reconciled with God, children of God, new creation, and members of the family of God. Now we should respond with the spirit of gratitude. Everything I am, and everything I have, is ultimately a gift from God. This should remind us to be humble before God and our fellow human beings. Also, we are reminded to live a holy life.
“For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God” (Titus 2:11-12, NLT).
Today while studying I felt overwhelmed, because Jesus Grace is so humongous and I am so unworthy, and then I read this verse.
2 Corinthians 12:9: “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Before man can belong to the kingdom of Christ, his character must be purified from sin and sanctified by the grace of Christ…. Christ longs to manifest His grace, and stamp His character and image upon the whole world. He was offered the kingdoms of this world by the one who revolted in heaven, to buy His homage to the principles of evil; but He came to establish a kingdom of righteousness, and He would not be bought; He would not abandon His purpose. This earth is His purchased inheritance, and He would have men free and pure and holy…. Though Satan works through human instrumentalities to hinder the purpose of Christ, there are triumphs yet to be accomplished through the blood shed for the world, that will bring glory to God and to the Lamb. His kingdom will extend, and embrace the whole world…. Christ will not be satisfied till victory is complete. But “he shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied (Isaiah 53:11).” “So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun” (Isaiah 59:19). 36 The Review and Herald, August 18, 1896. (AG 275)
As I read Today’s Lesson – The Grace of Jesus, I thought of another “term” that elaborates, clarifies and even enriches the concept of “The Grace of Jesus”; that is ” The Charisma of the Spirit”.
As I read the various scriptures that speak about the significance of “the grace of Jesus ” being present in our lives; I could not help but think of the charisma, the fragrance of the Spirit being present in our lives and homes. Especially noting that the Holy Spirit is Christ’s representative here on Earth
As a young colporteur many years ago , I had the privilege of going house to house selling Adventist books and magazines. I do not think that I would ever forget the experience that I had when I entered certain homes.
As I entered certain homes, the entire atmosphere changed to one of holiness. The persons who lived in that place possessed a peculiar loveliness that shone in their eyes and rang in their voices. They usually belonged to the Pentecostal-Evangelical Community. I sensed the Grace of Jesus, the Charisma of His Spirit in those homes.
The Grace of our Lord Jesus is not something that is merely ideological , at times its reality pervades our personal ambience and speech. No wonder it was said of certain disciples of Jesus. ” Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled, and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13 KJV. The charisma of their boldness revealed the One with whom they had such a close association.
Yes, indeed we must accept the grace of Christ to be apart the heavenly kingdom, the kingdom of Christ. Christ grace is bestowed free of charge. We choose to except His grace and allow Him to work in us with His transforming power. We know from last week we are to allow Christ to protect us from being drawn away from the saving grace found in Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3. We are thus a part of the Heavenly kingdom because of this.
Going along with a followup from last week of the question brought up concerning the relivence to us of the Sanctuary symbolism. The alter of sacrifice
represents
repentence. The laver represents baptism by emersion. Moving from the court to the Holy Place, the table of shewbread represents Bible study, 7 candle sticks represents our witnessing for Christ(living the Christian life), alter of incense represents prayer. Moving on into the Most Holy Place the Ark of the Covenant represents Victory in Christ, discribed in John 15:5
It is so very important for me to understand my faith – that which I believe in wholeheartedly. So, I was a bit confused when reading the lesson’s title – “The Grace of Jesus”. Even the lesson itself did not satisfy my need to sort things out, though I noticed that Grace and Love of the Father and the Son was used interchangeably in Paul’s letters.
Now I understand better. I see God’s Love and Grace as the two pillars holding up the Truth which defines Christianity. Is Jesus not the embodiment of the Grace and Love of God? And if so, does Jesus’ Grace and Love not reflect the Grace and Love of God the Father who graciously gave His Son to us that we can find in Him the Grace and Love which brings us back to the Father who created us?
Understanding God’s Truth this way, helps me see the Father’s and Jesus’ Grace and Love as synonymous. This, I can accept with thanksgiving and joy in my heart. He gave us His Son and provided His Holy Spirit to make it known to us that His Grace and Love envelope us completely until we enter Life everlasting – Eph.1:4-8.
God’s grace is presented to me when, although I feel abandoned, it says, “I gave you my life so that you could rejoice!” God’s grace is revealed to me when, in pain, it says, “It shall pass”! God’s grace whispers in my ears, “I love you,” through the mouth of my loved one! God’s grace is amazing!
Interestingly, Paul mentions the grace of Jesus before the love of God. This does not suggest that Christ’s grace is more important than God’s love. Scripture makes clear that God’s love is the foundation of our salvation (John 3:16).
Perhaps the order is especially meaningful in the context of 2 Corinthians. Paul had spent much of the letter addressing the Corinthians’ struggles, divisions, misunderstandings, and spiritual problems. Yet he does not leave them focused on their failures. He leaves them with the grace of Christ—the very provision they need to overcome and be restored.
Then he reminds them of the love of God, the source behind that grace, followed by the communion of the Holy Spirit, through whom believers experience God’s presence.
Could Paul therefore be reminding us that the grace of Christ is God’s love reaching us where we are and providing what we need to become what He calls us to be?