The Gospel of John - Accused for Me

The accusations hurled at Jesus paved the way for you and I to live free of accusation. In Romans 8:1, we are told “There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Part of what that means is that Jesus does not accuse us, that through Him we are accepted by God even in our sinfulness. About 25 years ago, rumors began to spread about a certain Catholic woman who was having visions of Jesus. Eventually those reports reached the Arch-bishop of her area, and he decided to investigate. When they met, he asked her point blank, “Is it true, ma’am, that you have visions of Jesus?” “Yes” the woman replied simply. “Well, the next time you have a vision, I want you to ask Jesus to tell you the sins I confessed in my last confession.” The woman was stunned. Did I hear you right, bishop? You actually want me to ask Jesus to tell me the sins of your past?” “That’s exactly what I want you to do. Call me once you’ve had your next vision.” Ten days later, the woman notified her spiritual leader of another appearance by Jesus. “Please come” she said. Within the hour the archbishop arrived at her house. He said, “You just told me on the telephone that you actually spoke with Jesus. Is that right? “Yes” she said. The bishop leaned forward with anticipation. “Did you ask him to tell you the sins I confessed in my last confession? “Yes” she answered. “And what did Jesus say?” asked the bishop. The woman gently took his hand into hers, looked deeply into his eyes, and said, “Bishop, these were his exact words: “I don’t remember.” That is what no condemnation means. It means that the shed blood of Christ covers over my sin and that Jesus refuses to hold my sin against me. Join us this Sunday as we discover together how the accusations hurled at our Jesus paved the way for us to live free of accusation before God.