“The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery.
They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?”
They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger.
When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them,
“Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
John 8:3-11
Did you read today’s text above?
If you didn’t please take a moment now to read it carefully.
Suppose you were assigned the task of developing a lesson plan based on today’s passage and had to determine the primary understanding you would want each person taking that lesson to walk away with.
What would it be?
Would you talk about the fact that Jesus could not be trapped by those eager to tarnish him in the eyes of the people?
Maybe it would be that they grasp the understanding that we can be forgiven by God, no matter our sin.
Others may eagerly point out that in their mind, the most important understanding we can have is that after forgiveness we are to turn from sin and live a life free of its’ bondage.
Maybe you think the emphasis is clearly about a judgmental attitude.
I certainly can’t argue with you that any of these points would have some validity. But, step back from this particular story in scripture and let me ask you that if you had to sum up the whole of the Bible in one word what would it be?
I would suggest that it would be a message of love.
Oh sure, there is hope, there is redemption, there is failure and so many other aspects of humanity addressed but in its’ essence it is of God’s love for man. Some have even described the Bible as: “God’s love letter to man.”
So often our nature is to view God and His dealings with us through the traits of vengeance, judgment and punishment. Here is my challenge for you today – as you read His word, ask Him to reveal His love for you. You can find it in the creation story; you can find it in the fiery warnings of the Prophets; it is evident in the missionary journeys of Paul and most certainly seen in the beatings and crucifixion of Jesus.
God’s love is evident throughout the scriptures.
Ask Him today to make it clear to you as you read.
They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?”
They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger.
When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them,
“Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
John 8:3-11
Did you read today’s text above?
If you didn’t please take a moment now to read it carefully.
Suppose you were assigned the task of developing a lesson plan based on today’s passage and had to determine the primary understanding you would want each person taking that lesson to walk away with.
What would it be?
Would you talk about the fact that Jesus could not be trapped by those eager to tarnish him in the eyes of the people?
Maybe it would be that they grasp the understanding that we can be forgiven by God, no matter our sin.
Others may eagerly point out that in their mind, the most important understanding we can have is that after forgiveness we are to turn from sin and live a life free of its’ bondage.
Maybe you think the emphasis is clearly about a judgmental attitude.
I certainly can’t argue with you that any of these points would have some validity. But, step back from this particular story in scripture and let me ask you that if you had to sum up the whole of the Bible in one word what would it be?
I would suggest that it would be a message of love.
Oh sure, there is hope, there is redemption, there is failure and so many other aspects of humanity addressed but in its’ essence it is of God’s love for man. Some have even described the Bible as: “God’s love letter to man.”
So often our nature is to view God and His dealings with us through the traits of vengeance, judgment and punishment. Here is my challenge for you today – as you read His word, ask Him to reveal His love for you. You can find it in the creation story; you can find it in the fiery warnings of the Prophets; it is evident in the missionary journeys of Paul and most certainly seen in the beatings and crucifixion of Jesus.
God’s love is evident throughout the scriptures.
Ask Him today to make it clear to you as you read.
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