The story of Jesus forgiving a guilty woman (verses 1 to 11) is relevant to all of our lives. The woman was caught in adultery. The penalty was simple: Men in the community would throw rocks at her. Can you imagine the fear of the woman as she was confronted by the men? The church leaders asked Jesus what he would do. He knew the tradition and he know the law. But he knew grace and forgiveness as well. Jesus knew waht was best for the men and for the woman. Jesus gave them men permission to throw rocks at her, but one condition existed: The one who was sinless among the men would throw the first stone. After the men walked away without throwing stones, Jesus offered the woman forgiveness in verse 11. He followed up by telling her to go and sin no more.
Don't go around throwing rocks unless you are perfect. Don't go around throwing rocks.
Jesus teaches people to examine themselves before evaluating others. It is easy to point out flaws in others. Looking at the shortcomings of others can make us feel better about our own failings. It takes character to examine oneself.
- Do you judge others for who they are and who they are not?
- If so, what good is this doing you?
- Is it difficult to extend forgiveness to others?
Remember the Rock who no longer remembers.
Jesus forgave the woman. It didn't matter to Jesus who she was. It only mattered who she is and who she can become.
- Have you accepted God's forgiveness in your life?
- How does being forgiven by God change you?
- How are you going to respond to Jesus when he says: “Go and sin no more”?
No comments:
Post a Comment