By Rev. J. Derek Williams
God is not into the foolish things of man. There's something about being in charge, being the leader that goes straight to our heads. I was reading God's word this morning and was led to camp out at a familiar passage of Scripture, John 8:1-11. Many are familiar with the case of the woman caught in adultery, that the scribes and Pharisees brought before Jesus.
On more than one occasion, having read a Scripture, I have been confronted with additional revelations about what I have read previously. Today was no exception. This passage caused me to reflect on how we attempt to thwart Jesus. Here we find Jesus, yet again, in the temple teaching and the people gathering around to hear what thus says the Lord. The sheep heed the voice of their shepherd! (John 10)
Picture, you are attending a Bible study and there is a commotion coming from the rear of the sanctuary. Some of the leaders in the church bring forth someone, holding them tightly by the arm and proceeds to thrust them before the congregation. Everyone is startled by this disruption and finally one the leaders states that this member has been caught in the act of committing adultery. (Just a Thought: Doesn't it take two to tango, right?) I dare say that there would be many that would be agast at such a display in today's society! If so, how would it be handled?
Jesus sets a magnificent precedence here for all the that have ears to hear. Jesus being the Word, knows the Word.(Leviticus 20) Jesus does not immediately rebuke the leaders for bringing her before Him. However, Jesus knows the hearts of all men/women. We can do everything in our power to get Jesus to side with us, but the Scripture is clear, "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." Galatians 6:7 NJKV Many think they can pervert and twist God's word for their own selfish purposes.
What I noticed today was how Jesus' silence brought conviction upon the her accusers. We can only speculate as to what He wrote in the sand, suffice it to say, it brought clarity to sinful men. The other revelation was that these men were so caught up in their role as leaders (crooked finger pointers), they could not see the Savior. I noticed that being in leadership does not make me autonomous in God's economy, because if I am left to my own devices, I will deceive myself. After a period of time the sinful accusers leave quietly from the temple. They originally entered to be noticed, however, left with no fanfare. When will we stop trying to put others down to make us look better.
Jesus finds Himself alone and the woman standing in the midst. Notice that they are not alone, yes the scribes and the Pharisees have departed but not the people. Remember He was teaching in the temple and those that were being taught are still there. The people are a witness to this display of foolishness by leadership. Jesus said to her, "Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?" She said "no one, Lord." John 8:10b-11a NJKV This is powerful! When we have sinned and that sin is brought before the Lord He does not stand as our accuser. Not one time in His conversation with the woman did He accuse her.
Jesus also delivers a proclamation to her by speaking clearly to this woman saying, "Neither do I condemn you; go and S-I-N no more." John 8:11b NKJV Jesus first tells her that He does not condemn her. This is a clear mandate if God does not condemn neither should we. Secondly, there is an action that must take place GO! Then, we must not commit that sin again. Notice He did not say I forgive you even if you do it again and again and again. Yes, Jesus died for our sins, however, we must recognize our need to "sin no more."
It is not incumbent upon us to stop finding faults in our neighbors and having a "holier than thou" attitude toward one another. A-L-L, not just the other person, have sinned! That includes me and you. Sobering thought isn't it...
Posts
