Saul of Tarsus was not a villain. He was a serious man, a learned man, a man of deep conviction who believed with everything in him that he was doing the right thing. He was a Pharisee, trained in the finest traditions of Jewish law and scholarship, and he had concluded that the followers of Jesus of Nazareth posed a dangerous threat to the faith he loved. He had watched Stephen stoned to death and had approved of it. He had gone from house to house, dragging men and women off to prison. He was, by his own later account, zealous beyond his peers.

What Saul could not see — what his very certainty prevented him from seeing — were the people in front of him. They were not people to him. They were a problem to be solved, an error to be corrected, a threat to be eliminated. His theological precision, his clarity about right and wrong, had somehow drained the humanity out of every face he encountered. He knew what they represented. He did not see who they were.

And then the light. And then the voice. And the voice does not say what we might expect. Jesus does not tell Saul that his theology is wrong, or that he has misread the scriptures, or that he has violated the law. He says something far more personal, and far more devastating: "Why are you persecuting me?" Not my people. Not my followers. Me. Every person Saul had dragged from their home, every family he had broken apart, every man and woman he had delivered to suffering — Jesus had been there in every one of them. Saul had never been fighting an abstraction. He had been raising his hand against Christ himself.

Saul is struck blind. The man who was certain he could see everything — who had clarity about truth and error that most of us can barely imagine — suddenly cannot see at all. He has to be led by the hand into the city. He sits in the darkness for three days, unable to eat, unable to drink, unable to act. Before he can become Paul, before he can become the apostle to the Gentiles and the author of some of the greatest words in all of scripture, he has to sit with what he has done. The blindness is not a punishment. It is a gift. It is the only thing that could stop him long enough to be transformed.

We are not so different from Saul. We may not persecute anyone. But we know what it is to be so certain of our own rightness that the people in front of us stop being people. We do it with those who hold different political views, different theological convictions, different ways of living their lives. We see what they represent before we see who they are. Our certainties blind us, quietly and completely, and we rarely notice it happening.

Jesus tells Saul — and tells us — that the person in front of you is not an abstraction. That person is someone for whom Christ died. That person, in some profound and mysterious way, is Christ himself. In Matthew's gospel, Jesus says that whatever we do to the least of those around us, we do to him. The Damascus road is that same truth, arriving not as invitation but as confrontation. The call of the Kingdom is to see the face in front of us before we see anything else.

Our Father, forgive us for the times our certainties have blinded us to the people around us. Open our eyes to see in every person we encounter the face of Christ himself. And when you need to stop us in our tracks to teach us that lesson, give us the grace to sit still and listen. Amen.

This devotion was written and read by Jim Stovall.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

Have you ever noticed how often in Scripture… God calls someone, and instead of placing them in a position of leadership right away… He places them in a position of service?

We see it so clearly in 1 Kings 19.

Elijah has just walked through exhaustion, fear, and restoration. And then God calls Elisha.

And Elisha's response is striking.

He doesn't hesitate. He doesn't negotiate. He doesn't ask for a plan. He returns home… He takes the very oxen that represent his livelihood… He sacrifices them… He burns the plow… And then he follows Elijah.

But here's what's easy to miss. He doesn't step into a leadership role right away. Scripture says… "He became his servant."

Before Elisha ever speaks as a prophet… Before miracles… Before influence… He serves.

And this is not just Elisha's story. This is God's pattern. Joshua served Moses. David served before he was king. The disciples followed and served before they were sent. And even Jesus said… "I did not come to be served, but to serve."

In God's Kingdom, serving is not a lesser role. It is the forming place. It's where God shapes humility. It's where He builds faithfulness. It's where He teaches us to depend on Him, not position.

Because leadership in God's Kingdom doesn't begin on a platform. It begins in quiet obedience. In showing up. In caring for others. In doing what no one else sees.

And maybe today… the question isn't, "When will I lead?" Maybe the question is, "Am I willing to serve… even if no one notices?"

Because the truth is… God develops the heart in serving before He reveals the calling in leading.

So wherever you are today— in the quiet, unseen places… Be encouraged. God is not overlooking you. He is preparing you.

Lord, teach us to serve with a willing and humble hearts. Help us to be faithful in the small things, and to trust that You are working even when we cannot see it. Shape us in the hidden places, so that we may reflect You in whatever You call us to. Amen.

This devotional was written by Marcia Prill and read by Judy Wilson.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

Mary Magdalene stands outside the tomb, weeping. She has seen Jesus die. Whatever hope she once carried has been buried with him. Even when she turns and sees a man standing there, she does not recognize him. Why would she? Resurrection is not what she expects.

She assumes he is the gardener. She speaks to him out of grief and confusion, still trying to make sense of what has been lost.

And then everything changes with a single word.

"Mary."

Jesus does not argue with her. He does not explain what has happened. He does not offer proof or theology. He simply calls her by name.

And in that moment, she knows.

There is something deeply personal here. Mary does not come to belief through explanation but through recognition. She knows the voice. It is the voice of the one who has known her, called her, and loved her.

It echoes what Jesus said earlier: "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27, CEB).

We often want clarity before we trust. We want answers before we respond. But Mary's experience suggests something different. Recognition can come before understanding. Relationship can come before explanation.

Jesus still calls people by name.

He meets us in places of grief, confusion, and unanswered questions. He speaks, not always in ways we expect, but in ways that reach us personally.

Faith, then, is not figuring everything out. It is recognizing that we are known.

And when we hear our name spoken in love, we begin to see what we could not see before.

Father, thank you for calling us into relationship with you through Jesus. Help us to know the voice of our shepherd and follow it. In the name of the one who calls to us, Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Donn King.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

This conversation occurred early one morning several days after Jesus walked out of His tomb alive. Early one morning after eating a breakfast of fish miraculously caught by the disciples. Perhaps Jesus asked Peter three times to remind Peter that He knew of the three times Peter had denied even knowing Jesus, in the courtyard of the High Priest, the night before Jesus was crucified.

Or perhaps Jesus just wanted this conversation, this question, to be imprinted indelibly in Peter's memory and ours. I'm sure the request to "feed my sheep" was a call to action for Peter and for us. "If you love me, feed my sheep." Peter sure did! He became a prominent preacher and leader in Jerusalem and Antioch after Christ's resurrection. He authored several of the Epistles/letters in the New Testament and helped to spread the Gospel – the Good News of Jesus – to the world beyond Judaism, to the Gentiles, to us!

And Jesus didn't just forgive Peter for denying him. Jesus restored him.

Jesus is always waiting to restore us too. When we are afraid or deeply suffering, Jesus is there with us, waiting to help. Like Peter, he also asks us to "feed His sheep," to LOVE our neighbors, and to forgive as much as we wish to be forgiven. We are asked to feed the hungry – those hungry for bodily food and those hungry for LOVE – God's LOVE.

Let's remind Him that we LOVE Him by helping with the feeding – offering our time, our resources, and our LOVE generously, sharing our food with the hungry in body and spirit.

Let's demonstrate to Jesus that we truly do LOVE Him and our neighbors. AMEN!

This devotional was written and read by Bernice Sanders

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

You are listening to Grace for All, a daily devotional podcast produced by the people of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee.

This is Scripture Saturday, a time when we pause and reflect on the scriptures we have read throughout the week. If you missed any of our devotionals on these passages, you can find them on our website at 1stChurch.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Now, we invite you to listen and receive Grace. Welcome and thank you for joining us.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

Every time I listen to these verses, I revisit my childhood. Little Golden Books filled my bookshelves. One book, in particular, had a picture of Jesus, surrounded by children: one little boy comfy on his lap with a lamb also being held. As a child, this picture brought comfort and a sense of love and belonging. Perhaps that is why I remember it so clearly. As an adult, it is still moving.

In Biblical days, children held little to no status in the community. They were expected to contribute to the household economy. My understanding is that children were required to complete menial tasks such as agriculture or trades. Others were committed to education with tutors and sent to school. Boys were exposed to academic subjects and girls were taught to run a home. Regardless, they were treated and considered as property. While it may seem somewhat conflicting, children were considered as a "gift from the Lord" and highly valued.

Keeping all this in mind, picture this — a large group of people have gathered to hear Jesus teach. Many parents and children were present. It appears that the mothers deeply desired for Jesus to touch and bless their children.

The disciples were trying to protect Jesus. They didn't want those "pesky" little kids to take his time or energy. In their eyes, the children were no one important, in fact they were the least important. Imagine their shock when Jesus was angry, quite displeased at their attempted dismissal of those children. After all, they had been with him when he dined with tax collectors, sinners and more. Even so, they still didn't catch on that Jesus came to serve and save the humble, the least, the lost and the unwanted.

The children found their way to Jesus. He embraced them, he blessed them, he acknowledged their worth. Their minds were open to him; their hearts were eager to accept his love, his touch, his blessing; they received this gift — not by being worthy or because they earned it. They received his love, embrace and blessing with childlike joy, trust and faith.

We are to come to God and encourage others — even those we don't consider worthy, knowing that in God's eyes every person is valuable. We are all created in God's image and loved unconditionally. We are all God's children. We can become our true selves by listening to God's voice.

Today's a good day to embrace our child-like joy and trust. Today we are invited to run to Jesus with open hearts and simple faith, not to rely on our adult "head knowledge". After all, Jesus told us to let the children come to him, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.

We are invited to encounter his touch, love and blessings today and every day.

Gracious God, we ask that you open our eyes as children today. Filled with wonder and trust we seek your blessing. Guide us to see the children, your children who may seem "less than" ourselves and others and remember that all are valuable in your sight. Allow us to seek your voice and embrace your love and blessings so that we might be, not a hindrance, but a vessel of your love for others.

In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

This devotion was written and read by Lisa Blackwood.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

There are times that I would like to know more than what the Bible tells us. The story of the woman anointing the feet of Jesus is just such an occurrence. Something must have occurred earlier in the day between her and Jesus. We are not told about any encounter but it had to have happened. Why else would she barge into someone's house with a jar of perfumed ointment to anoint Jesus' feet. Just seeing him causes such emotion that she begins to cry. The only thing we know about her is that society labeled her a sinner. My guess is that earlier in the day Jesus had talked to her with warmth and acceptance. In that encounter Jesus must have showed her how much he cared, that he saw her, not as a sinner, but as a person with hurts and pain. He would have let her know that God loved her. It was likely the first time, in a long time, if ever, something like that had happened in her life. She would have been used to being shunned by the good people of the town. This encounter filled her with such joy that she had to do something to say thank you. This is why she came to the house of Simon the Pharisee with perfumed ointment.

Following the anointing she heard an even more impressive word from Jesus. He said, "You sins are forgiven." She walked into that gathering labeled by all a sinner and walked out clean and new.

This story makes me ask, "How often am I really grateful for what God has done and is doing in my life? Many days I say a quick "Thank you" to God but that is different from the actions of the woman. I rarely feel so overwhelmed by the message of love and forgiveness God gives that I feel compelled to do something as a way of saying thank you. Yet, when I think about it, it is pretty amazing that God loves me as I am and offers love and forgiveness to me every day. I need to learn from this woman to be more aware and grateful and to share that joy as a way of saying thanks.

It reminds me of a woman that volunteered a lot at a church. She was not a member but helped in many service projects. One day I asked her why. She responded, "God is so amazing. I just need to do something to say thanks." There was more to the story but I never learned it. But one thing was clear, something wonderful had happened to her or one she loved and it motivated her to give in thanks in a real practical way.

So, remember how much God loves you. Let it fill you with joy and amazement. Hear, "Your sins are forgiven!" Then ask, what can I do to say thanks.

Loving God, you love us and forgive us. We are in awe of your grace. Let us never forget this wonderful gift and how it changed our lives. We may not be able to anoint Jesus feet but we ask that you guide us in how we can share this love with others as a sign of our gratitude. In Jesus name. AMEN

This devotional was written by Bill Green and read by Donn King.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

Children can be a blessing, a burden, a joy, and a challenge all at the same time. Children can be innocent, open, and loving. They can be cruel, immature, and thoughtless. When Jesus says that we must "receive the kingdom of God as little children or we will never enter it," which qualities of a child does he have in mind? I have often contemplated what this passage might mean, but I cannot claim to know what the answer is.

As I write this today, my best attempt to understand Jesus' command is the childlike quality of "longing to be loved" and accepting comfort and security. As we grow and mature, at least in progression of age if not in emotion and behavior, the qualities we develop are to take on responsibility and attempt to control our interactions with life's circumstances and those around us. But in these verses, all the children seek is to be close to Jesus. They long to be near him. And perhaps it is as simple as that.

If we compare these two stages of life, what is it we most value in children that we are not finding in adults? Being open to what is happening around us and loving in the moment, finding joy, sharing in sadness, helping without feeling put out, and simply being are qualities I admire in children. They do not feel the need to control and shape. They simply are. When I see a child's face light up in wonder, run into a mother's arms, or invite another to share in an experience, this is when I feel close to the kingdom of God. As each moment of the day passes, perhaps I should look not to control but simply to stand in wonder, feel the embrace of the Spirit, and share in the experience of those around me with love. In fact, if we live every moment simply remembering that everyone longs to be loved, aren't we standing next to God?

Let us pray together, Lord, may we find peace and comfort in the arms of the Spirit. May your embrace allow us to embrace each moment guided by your Spirit. May we be blessed in your arms and not be the one standing indignant shouting that the business of the day is being interrupted. Please bring us greater understanding that it is your will, your love, and your grace that allows us to see each moment clearly. Give us the insight to share your will, your love, and your grace with all those we encounter, Amen.

This devotional was written by Jill Pope and read by Susan Daves.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.