John 8:3-11
v. 3: The scribes and Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery. They put her in the middle of the group (John 8:3 a). They wanted to embarrass her and use the situation to test Jesus. v. 4: They said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery” (John 8:4 b). They wanted to make sure everyone knew what had happened and that there were witnesses. v. 5: They continued, “In the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” (John 8:5; Leviticus 20:10 c; Deuteronomy 22:22 d). They were trying to trap Jesus, hoping he would contradict the law or show a lack of mercy. v. 6: Jesus knew they were testing him, hoping to accuse him. Instead of answering right away, he bent down and wrote on the ground with his finger (John 8:6 e). This act showed calmness and wisdom, making the accusers think about their own actions. v. 7: When they continued to ask him, Jesus stood up and said, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7 f). Jesus reminded them that everyone is a sinner and must examine their own hearts before judging others (Romans 2:1 g). v. 8: After saying this, he stooped down again and wrote on the ground (John 8:8 h). This gave the accusers time to think about what he had just said. v. 9: When they heard his words, they began to leave one by one, beginning with the oldest. Soon, only Jesus was left with the woman standing before him . The accusers’ consciences convicted them, and they realized they could not condemn her without condemning themselves. v. 10: Jesus stood up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” (John 8:10 i). He wanted her to see that her accusers were gone. v. 11: She replied, “No one, Lord.” Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more” (John 8:11 j). Jesus showed mercy but also called her to repentance and a new life. This story teaches us that while sin is serious, God is merciful and calls us to repentance. We should not be quick to judge others, but should look at ourselves and show compassion, just as Jesus did.
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