Jesus for all

Press the play button to watch the video above or press 'more' to read the transcript of the daily devotion below. Please read Acts 10:34-49(use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible).

This year marks one hundred years of the Diocese of Blackburn and there is much planned for this celebratory year under the banner of ‘All for Jesus’. Perhaps you’ve already seen the logo dotted over the website, heard about it through your church or school – you may even have bought an ‘All for Jesus’ mug! The idea is that in this special year we re-commit to give our all for Jesus, laying our lives down before Him afresh. The wonderful thing about the passage before us today is that it marks the pivotal point in the Bible when the Holy Spirit revealed that Jesus is not just for a chosen few but that He is for everyone. It’s the moment that reveals that the inversion of our centenary logo is also true - ‘Jesus for All’.

Through Peter’s vision and meeting with Cornelius that we read about yesterday, Peter has come to realise that “God shows no partiality” (v34). This is a remarkable statement from a man who previously believed the opposite to be true. But note that up until now Cornelius and Peter have only referred to God? The next thing to happen is that Peter introduces Cornelius and his household to Jesus. Peter begins to preach about Jesus and in verses 36-43 we read a brilliant summary of who Jesus is and why He came, that He died, rose again and that all can receive peace and forgiveness in His name. Amazingly, before Peter evens finishes his talk, the Holy Spirit falls on those present and they begin to praise God and speak in different languages (commonly known as speaking in ‘tongues’). This was irrefutable proof for those present – Jesus really was and is the Saviour of all who believe in Him.

Are there people that somehow, deep down, you don’t think can truly know Jesus? Perhaps you may be reading this thinking that for some reason you don’t feel worthy to know Jesus. This passage tells us that both these thoughts are wholly wrong. Jesus is ‘for all’. Why not try talking to Him or about Him with others – like Peter, you may be surprised by what happens!

Let us pray: Jesus, thank you that all can come to know you and that your grace, peace and love know no limits. Amen.