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April 6, 2011

Thoughts on John 8:1-12

Here are a few of my thoughts and observations as I read John 8:1-12. I'd love to see your comments for additional discussion.
  • Jesus got to church (temple courts) pretty early to serve and to teach. You would think that there wouldn’t be that many people interested in being taught (especially that early in the morning), but we read that there were people gathered around him to desiring to learn.
    • Is there an opportunity in my life to meet with people early in the morning, before work or school, to have a moment to teach/learn about Jesus and what it is to be an obedient follower?

  • Jesus sat down to teach them. This is a very good posture to teach from; sitting down among the people, with them at their level (I’m referring to their spiritual maturity level, as well as their physical position of their bodies) to teach them. There is a place for “lecture” or “monologue” methods of teaching, but when teaching about applying the truths of the scriptures to our lives, this is best taught in a group discussion format with sharing and empathy.
    • How can I find and develop more “group discussion” dynamics with others to teach/learn about Jesus and what it is to be an obedient follower? Is social media an avenue to do this? If so, what are the pros and cons of doing it this way?

  • I’m not sure what Jesus wrote down in the sand, but I do know that he waited until he was ready to speak before He answered the Pharisees questions. No matter how much they continued to question or how persistent the Pharisees were, Jesus waited until He was ready to speak, not letting the actions of the Pharisees coaxing Him into responding unprepared.
    • This is a good example of patience displayed to myself and others who tend to “shoot from the hip” when faced with a ton of important questions from others seeking our response. Being patient and getting oneself prepared to speak is a discipline we all need to practice.

  • In a way, when Jesus says, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her,” His actions and His words are basically comparing all sin (that an individual commits) as the same as adultery while not ignoring or lessening the consequences of the sin. Jesus is implying that all sin is worthy of death and requires grace, mercy, forgiveness and encouragement to overcome for us to sin no more. This is exactly what Jesus gave to the woman when He said, "Then neither do I condemn you" and "Go now and leave your life of sin."
    • As an obedient follower of Jesus, how do I distribute grace, mercy, forgiveness and encouragement to others so they can overcome sin’s control in their lives?

  • Just like the Pharisees, the religious leaders of that time, people today are always quick to point out the sins or problems in other people’s lives without giving much attention to the sin in their own lives. I guess it is easier to see other’s sins than our own. I think we also do this because it deflects the “light of truth” from us to others, and gives us a sense that our sins are “not as bad” as theirs sins, thus we must be better and more loved by God.
    • Pointing others sins out does not lessen my sins in God’s eye, or justify my sins. Sin is just that, sin, and we should seek Jesus’ grace, mercy, forgiveness and encouragement to overcome our sins, as we freely give to others the same grace, mercy, forgiveness and encouragement to overcome sin.
So, what do you learn when you read John 8:1-12? Click "comment" below to join the discussion!

2 comments:

  1. My thoughts on John 8:1-12!
    *Jesus did get to the temple early in the mornings to teach; and it shows you that He isn't or doesn't play any games..he's purpose driven and has a task at hand..and he's willing to do whatever it takes..even waking up early! We should be driven by the same desire!!! It shows that he willing to do whatever it takes for us to learn and grow!
    *Jesus always makes things personal and intimate..he sits down with them to teach just like he is one of them..that's soo awesome to me! Because that means alot to ppl when one is willing to sit down with you!! It shows that he really cares for us!
    *When Jesus wrote in the sand..I'm thinking he was praying to God; waiting and trusting that God would give him the words to say: "not my will..but your will, oh God!! Not my words..but your words, oh God!!" I also believe that maybe it was Jesus way of getting self-controlled and clear minded because it's hard and tough when ppl keep trying you and pushing you to do wrong! Jesus agains shows us several of his qualities..patience, waiting, self controlled, and trust!
    What stops or holds us back from being this way!??
    *Some leaders/people in churches today are like Pharisees..they point out the sin in others to make them look so Godly! But Jesus makes the perfect point..that a sin is a sin "if anyone of you is without sin, be the first to throw a stone" no matter what the sin is..we all sin!! Alot of ppl today wont welcome or be around homosexuals, drug dealers, alcoholics, adulters bc of their sins..yet they entertain liars, cheaters, those who do not honor their father and mother or keep the sabbath day...what kind of crap is that??! A sin is a sin no matter the shape or size!!
    *Jesus shows us after he doesn't condem the woman that there's only one person who can or will judge everyone..and that is God!! Jesus doesn't judge the woman..he forgives he and doesn't just stop there, but gives her instruction and direction! Now that's a faithful God!!!!
    *In the end..no one was around..even tho they were trying to trap Jesus..they didnt or couldn't! It makes me think about Rom 8:31 "if God is for us, then who can be against us?"

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  2. I learned that the world (just like the Pharisees) will bring things to you so they can see how you react and if you really are who you say you are. If you claim to be a Christian, the world will try to trip you up and catch you off guard to do something they can hold over you as "unchristian like". I think that Jesus being patient, taking his time, and not responding until he was ready shows that he didn't jump the gun and just react to the situation. He took his time and thought about what he should say and do before he said or did them. To me, this shows that as Christians we should take our time to hear from God and seek his guidance on how to respond to situations that are brought to us. If we hold fast to our knowledge of God and the teachings of Jesus, seek His guidance and follow it, then we will always respond and go the correct way.

    Also in this passage, Jesus forgives the woman, meaning he showed her mercy and compassion. As followers of Chris, we should show mercy and compassion to others who fall to sin. When people fall to sin we shouldn't condemn them we should help them to see where they went wrong then help and encourage them to get back on the path following Christ. I know when I fall it is more beneficial to have people helping me see where I went wrong and how to turn from it than to have someone condemning me and saying what a terrible person I am. I have a feeling that others feel the same as I do on this. Showing mercy and compassion can go a lot farther and be a lot more effective than putting someone down and saying how terrible they are.

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