The Greater Sin

- John 19:11

INTRODUCTION

In many ways, sin is simply sin. However, the Bible seems to indicate that sins carry varying weights or repercussions. The Bible points to the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah as “very grievous” (Genesis 18:20
). Joseph indicated that taking the wife of his master would have been a “great wickedness” (Genesis 39:9
). Moses declared that Israel’s idolatry in the wilderness was a “great sin” (Exodus 32:31
). The sins of Eli’s sons were said to be “very great” before the LORD (1 Samuel 2:17
). David confessed that he had “sinned greatly” (1 Chronicles 21:8
). And, according to the Saviour, there was one that had the “greater sin” than that of Pilate (John 19:10-11 ). Although sin is sin, it seems scriptural that some sins are greater than others.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Through visions, God showed Ezekiel the sins that were being committed in the temple (2 Chronicles 36:14
  ). In each vision, the sin became greater than the one Ezekiel saw before (Ezekiel 8:6
  , 13, 15). God was just in allowing His people to go into captivity.
• (For everyone): What are descriptive words associated with sin (i.e., abomination)? Is it possible that some of these terms actually indicate varying weights of sin?
• If all sins are a violation of God’s law, why would some sins be greater than others? Do some sins bring more reproach to the Lord? Do some sins bring more harm to others?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to guard you from the greater sins.
• Ask the Lord to help you understand the complexities of sin.