What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone.

Devotion based on Romans 9:30,31

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

There are many things that can be both good and bad. It all depends on the setting. Fire is good when it produces heat, or it is used to cook food. However, a fire in a dry forest or burning a house is dangerous and bad.

Is it the same for a stone? A stone doesn’t usually seem good or bad. But in the book of Romans, Jesus is like a stone, and it can be good or bad. Imagine that a family is trying to build a house. They order stones and bricks to go around their house. This stone is good; it gives stability and protection. But the family also wants to build an in-ground pool. They start digging and immediately stop because they hit stone. This stone makes it very hard to build the pool. It’s in the way. If you have ever stepped on or tripped on a stone, you know that they can be bad.

If Jesus is like a stone, is he good or bad?

The nation of Israel had God’s law, and they knew it was good. God promised to bless them and protect them through his laws. But then they started to believe they could be saved through the law. When Jesus arrived, he taught them that he was the only way to salvation and not the law. This was bad for people who trusted in the law. Jesus was a stone that caused them to stumble. People today still stumble in their thinking when they hear about Jesus.

But Jesus is good. Jesus exposes false righteousness by the law but also gives us true righteousness. He gives us his perfect life. It is a righteousness outside of the law. He becomes the foundation for our life and salvation. A foundation is a stone that gives stability and protection. It is good. Jesus is good for those who believe in him.

Dear Jesus, thank you for bringing us both the law and gospel. You showed us that trusting in the law can only lead to condemnation. But, believing in you means that we have true righteousness. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Questions for Middle School and Above