The Encounter of a Lifetime: 24601 (July 6, 2025)

Sermon: The Encounter of a Lifetime: 24601 (July 6, 2025)

Today, we delve into the profound themes of grace, redemption, and transformation, drawing inspiration from both the Gospel of John and Victor Hugo's masterpiece, Les Misérables. This sermon series aims to connect our human beliefs of grace with our United Methodist theology, focusing particularly on justifying grace.

What is Justifying Grace?

Justifying grace is the moment we say "yes" to the grace that has been pursuing us all along. It is the grace of God that accompanies us in our lives, waiting for the response that God desires. This grace is not just about forgiveness; it is about a new direction and a new identity. It is the beginning of a transformational experience.

Jean Valjean's Story: A Tale of Redemption

Jean Valjean, the main character in Les Misérables, has been imprisoned for 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his starving sister's child. Upon his release, he struggles to find work, food, and a place to live. Society has rejected him, and he arrives at the bishop's home, where he is given food and a bed to sleep in. However, Valjean steals the bishop's silver and is caught. When brought back to the bishop, something extraordinary happens.

The Bishop's Act of Grace

Instead of condemning Valjean, the bishop tells the officers that he gave the silver to Valjean and even adds more to it. This act of grace shocks Valjean and offers him a new beginning. Through the bishop's kindness, Valjean's life is redeemed. The word "redeemed" means to buy back, and God buys back Valjean's life through the bishop's act of grace.

Drawing Parallels with Jesus

Just as the bishop steps into Valjean's darkness to shine the light of God, Jesus steps into the darkness of our world, into our sin, brokenness, and shame. Jesus chose humility and gave up heaven's glory to live among us. This act of stepping into our darkness is a powerful demonstration of God's grace.

Are We Agents of God's Grace?

We are challenged to consider whether we are close enough to the pain of those in our community to be agents of God's grace. Can we hear the people in need? The beauty of the encounter between Valjean and the bishop is that it marks the beginning of a transformational experience. This is what we call justifying grace in the United Methodist Church.

Remembering Our Own Redemption

Do you remember when you were redeemed? Do you remember when you heard God's call for the first time and responded? God is steadfast in His love for us, consistent, and overlooks our brokenness. God meets us in our lowest times and is with us when we need Him the most. Do we extend the same opportunity to others who are broken, struggling, or in need?

Extending Grace to Others

When Valjean is extended God's grace through the bishop, grace is not abstract; it is embodied in Jesus and now through us. When we allow God into our hearts, we become living witnesses of God's love. This allows us to extend that grace to others who have not experienced it for themselves. We get to be the bishop.

Challenges in Extending Grace

Reflecting on my own life, I can see times when I did not extend grace to others. What is it that stymies grace in our hearts? Pride, bitterness, fear, legalism, and the desire to be right can hinder us from extending grace. In Les Misérables, the bishop opened his heart even when others hardened theirs with anger and hate. Receiving God's grace requires vulnerability and a willingness to be transformed.

The Good News

The final verses in the Scripture today provide us with the good news we so desperately need. The Word became flesh, full of grace and truth. God has taken up residence among His people. Grace isn't abstract; it is embodied in Jesus and now with us and through us by the Holy Spirit. We become living witnesses of God's love when we allow grace to shape our lives.

Life Application

Justifying grace is not just forgiveness; it is a new direction and a new identity. Like Valjean, we are invited to become who we were always meant to be. Grace doesn't erase our past; it redeems it and gives it purpose. The good news is that the light has come in Jesus, and Jesus is full of grace and truth. No one's too far gone; no soul is too dark. We are all candidates for redemption.

As you reflect on this message, consider these questions:

• Are you close enough to the pain of those in your community to be an agent of God's grace?

• Do you remember when you were redeemed and how that felt?

• Are you willing to extend the same grace to others that God has extended to you?

This week, challenge yourself to be the bishop for someone in need. Offer grace, love, and support to those who are struggling. Let God's grace transform you and, through you, transform others.

Thanks be to God. Amen.