Devotion for the Week

Devotion based on the scripture from October 26, 2025.

Home, Sweet Home

Whether you have lived in several places or very few, you probably have a method for transforming a space to live into a home. Maybe you put family photos on the walls, set out mementos, or spread a favorite quilt on the bed. These touches are important if we want to feel like we belong in a new space.

Jesus offered the gift of belonging to people who newly believed in him, but they had a hard time accepting it. He said if they would continue, or abide, in his word, they would be his disciples, know his truth, and be set free. They would receive the gift of belonging to his household forever.

To us the listeners’ response is surprising, as if the new believers had shut their ears as soon as they heard Jesus say, “The truth will make you free.” They didn’t want to accept that there was anything they needed to be set free from. On a deeper level, they didn’t want to believe that someone else would need to set them free. Jesus’ words invite us to reflect on where our freedom comes from, and where we belong, as his disciples.

On Reformation Sunday, we celebrate how the Holy Spirit is constantly reforming the church, the community of Jesus’ disciples. We give thanks for the gospel message that Jesus saves us from sin and death through his cross and resurrection. We don’t have to earn our salvation; we can simply trust that Jesus is the one who makes it possible. That’s how we receive genuine freedom—as a gift of God’s grace. Thanks to Jesus, we have a permanent home. No matter how many times we move, we abide with Jesus forever. This festival day encourages us to keep listening to Jesus’ word, growing in faith as his disciples, and giving thanks that with him, we are always at home.