Journey Through JohnSample

Scripture:

John 8:11 “Neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Observation:

Jesus was without sin, and so had the right to condemn this woman. But, as He said in John 3:17, He does not want to condemn people. Instead He is eager to forgive us for wrongs we have done and give us a fresh start to go and live right. Jesus doesn’t say that sinning is no big deal, or that we can simply continue to do it. But He provides a way by which we don’t have to experience the just punishment our sins deserve. This forgiveness gives us new power, ability and motivation to leave our sins and be changed. 

Application: 

I am so thankful that Jesus does not want to condemn me for my wrongs. I am so glad that He is eager to forgive me. I know it’s not that my sins don’t matter or don’t hurt God – they do. Which is why I need to leave them and let Jesus empower me to change and become better. But He doesn’t hang them over my head. He doesn’t wish to shame me. He is quick to offer mercy and forgiveness, because He is so full of compassion. 

Prayer: 

What wonderful love you have for me, Jesus. What can I say but, “Thank you, thank you, thank you for your forgiveness and for the opportunity to begin again." This motivates me to change, Lord, out of love and gratitude to you. Help me leave my life of sin and live a better life. Amen.

Truths to notice:

8:7 Jesus didn’t deny that her sin deserved death, He simply reminded the accusers that they too were guilty of sin and therefore could not stand in judgment over her.

8:11 Jesus was the only sinless person with the right to condemn this woman, but He chose not to condemn her but rather to give her a fresh start to do right.

8:16, 26 The rightness of Jesus’ judgments and decisions came from His very close relationship with God His Father. 

8:29 Jesus was able to live a life completely pleasing to God. 

8:31 True belief in Jesus evidences itself by living out his teaching. 

8:34 People are slaves to sin until we believe in Jesus. Without Jesus, we lack power to keep from sinning. 

8:44 The devil loves to see death; he lies and inspires others to lie. 

8:46 Jesus never sinned. 

8:47 If you belong to God, He helps you hear and understand His teaching. 

8:58-59 In calling Himself the “I am” who came even before Abraham, Jesus claimed to be equal with God, so the Jews tried to stone Him for what they understood to be blasphemy.