Caught in the Act!
September 15th, 2008Don’t you love those “epiphany” moments when you gain insight into a topic? I just read something that had never ever occurred to me. In John 8 a woman is caught in adultery and taken to Jesus. The accusers tried to trick him into violating the Law of Moses. They ask him what to do in light of the fact that the Law said to stone her to death.
At first, Jesus appears to ignore them by writing in the dirt. And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8.7). They all leave so that the woman has no accusers. Jesus assured her, “Neither do I condemn you.”
I had always assumed that Jesus was making a point about their hypocrisy; and loving the sinner without loving sin. These are true. He also takes the Law literally. To condemn someone there had to be two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 17:6). All of her accusers left — according to the Law, Jesus could not condemn her alone. So he upholds the Law, saves a sinner, and silences his critics all at the same time.
Some questions to answer: What are my motives regarding others? How well do I know God’s word? How concerned am I for those walking out of step with God? Am I walking with God?
Keep The Light Burning!
Perry Greene
