In the musical and book Les Miserables, Victor Hugo tells the story of Jean Valjean, who had been sent to prison. He tried to escape several times, which caused his sentence to be extended to 19 years. Once out, he steals a bishop's silver cutlery and is promptly caught by the police. But the bishop denies the charges and Valjean is freed. Deserving punishment, Valjean received mercy, and ultimately it changed his life. But in his initial response, the author reveals what lies in every heart's response to grace: humiliation and pride. Hugo writes of Valjean: "He could not have said lies at the heart of the two criminals; responses to Jesus on the cross."
Scripture: Luke 23:32-43
