
23. Les Misérables, Condemnation, and Grace
About this episode
Today, John Ortberg uses Les Misérables by Victor Hugo to explore two ways of living:
• the condemning life (Javert)
• the blessing life (the Bishop)
• and the transformed life (Jean Valjean)
Drawing on Romans 8, 2 Corinthians 3, and insights from Dallas Willard, John explains:
- why condemnation feels powerful
- what the “ministry of condemnation” really does
- how grace humiliates before it heals
- why pride resists light
- how blessing rewires the soul
Through the unforgettable moment of the candlesticks, we see how self-giving love defeats condemnation. One man bends the knee and is transformed. One refuses grace and collapses under its weight.
“To love another person is to see the face of God.”
That is the blessing life.
That is the transformed life.
And there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
📚 Today's Resources:
Victor Hugo, Les Misérables
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Music Credits:
Believe Me by Glass Echoes - MB01UU8HNMQ8GT0
Frost on My Window by Coldbrew - MB01IZWASF1DYPO
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