John 8:2-11
Introduction
In John 8, Jesus finds Himself once again in the temple, the very place where He had been teaching the masses how the Scriptures testify that He is the Messiah. The people knew the Scriptures, but they didn’t recognize who Jesus truly was. In the same way, we can come to the temple week after week and hear the Word yet still miss a real relationship with Christ. You can get into a routine and miss relationship.
As Jesus sat down to teach, the Scribes and Pharisees suddenly interrupted, stepping into the center of the court with their own agenda. They weren’t concerned with aligning themselves to Jesus’ teaching—they wanted Jesus to align with theirs. The Pharisees took joy in centering someone else’s sin. Self-righteous people tend to highlight the faults of others to validate themselves. But sinners saved by grace center Jesus when addressing the unrighteous.
Typically, people catch others in situations they’ve been in themselves. The Pharisees brought only the woman caught in adultery, but not the man. Self-righteous people are often selective, only judging what doesn’t reflect on themselves. According to the law, the woman was guilty and deserved to be stoned. She had a case against her. But thank God they brought her case before Jesus. The truth is, we all have a case against us. So, we should rejoice that our case was brought before Jesus and not left up to the law. We can praise God for being “caught in the act” because if we hadn’t been caught in our sin, we might still be condemned. Jesus frees us from the judgment we rightfully deserve under the law.
When asked for His opinion, Jesus stooped down and wrote in the sand. As the crowd looked on, they began to realize they were just like the woman they sought to condemn. Convicted, one by one, they dropped their stones and walked away until only Jesus and the woman remained. Many Christians today are quick to judge others for the very things they themselves were saved from or still struggle with. While we may not be sinless, we should aim to sin less because we have received the grace of God. By His grace and mercy, Jesus told the woman, “Neither do I condemn you.” The good news is that believers walk in grace and not condemnation. And while we cannot be perfect, if we chase perfection, we may catch excellence in Christ.
Getting Started
- What have you done for so long that you do it without thinking?
- Has there ever been a time when you were judged unfairly or partially?
Let’s Get Personal
- Are there any areas of your life where you have wanted God’s Word to align with your thinking?
- Have you ever found yourself in a spiritual routine but not experiencing a true relationship with Christ?
- Do you truly believe that Jesus does not condemn you? How does your belief show up in the way you live your life?
Take the Next Step
- How can you intentionally center Christ and His Word this week instead of your own agenda?
- Pray and ask God to help you show the same grace He’s shown to you to others this week.
- Want to dig deeper? Take a look at the following passages: John 8:2-11; John 5:24; John 5:48; John 7:38; Matthew 23; Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22; Exodus 31:18; Deuteronomy 17:6-7; Romans 8:1; John 8:36; 1 Corinthians 15:58.
Renew Your Mind
. . . And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.”
John 8:11
