Jesus Revealed Pt. 8 - What Do You See?Sample

Woman caught in adultery  

Thoughts on the Passage

Some background to this passage.

This portion is not found in the earliest manuscripts of the book of John that we have as a Church. As a result, some people do not accept it as part of the Bible – others accept it. Also, it describes Jesus acting like a Rabbi in the way He uses writing on the ground to draw their hearts to the passage in Jeremiah 17; it is powerful and worthy of our attention regardless of how we feel about this passage.

This story gives a picture of the way people address sin in people. These religious leaders capture this woman in the act of adultery (where was the man?) and drag her before Jesus. They know the law of God – God says that this action should result in the death of the two people. 

God is serious about holy living and the marriage covenant. They challenge Jesus because He is someone who seems to give sinners (like this woman) a break so often. Jesus acts like a rabbi (a teacher of the law) and directs their attention to God’s Word in Jeremiah. We see two things here in this.
 

First, Jesus is warning these religious leaders. God searches every person’s heart. God will hold everyone accountable for everything they say and do. Here, these men have condemned this woman without dealing correctly with the other person involved – they have perverted justice. They are inviting God to judge them.
Second, Jesus calls for them to see the compassion that God. God is full of compassion for people who repent. All people. Where is their compassion for this woman?

When Jesus finishes and looks up, everyone is gone. Just as they should be. Now Jesus deals with the woman. He does not condemn her, but commands her to be obedient to the law. That is the heart of Jesus.

Application

Are there situations in my life where I am harsh on others but not on my own failures? Let God reveal our hearts and expose where we have a double standard.

Do I have God’s heart of compassion for broken people? It does not mean that we ignore the issues in their lives, but broken people need God. We need to be God’s hands of compassion and love to them.

Time to Pray

Father, Your compassion for this woman – and all sinners – is greater than anything I have. I need Your heart for broken people. It is not a heart that ignores sin, just as Jesus charged this woman to stop her sinful lifestyle. However, it is such a powerful picture of Your mercy, compassion, grace and forgiveness. I want to have both this compassion and this love for Your truth – just as Jesus is full of grace and truth. Fill me with the heart of Jesus – Your heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.