Pharisees, the Woman, and Jesus: Writing In the Sand

“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8: 10,11 NIV)

Let’s be real

Let’s be real here. The Pharisees brought this adulterous woman to Jesus to discredit him. It had little to do with the woman’s sin. However, God takes what man means for bad and turns it out for our good. Three personalities to examine: Pharisees, Jesus, and the woman.

Pharisees

The accuser, modern day pharisees exist in almost all churches. They are fueled with religion without relationship. Finger pointing guides many individuals out the door. These individuals flee the church of their youth, leave angry and confused. Satan prepared to devour. They are easily deceived. Satan disguises his voice to be like Christ. Only now he directs them to false religions, churches not preaching the truth, atheist churches or nothing at all. Isn’t this sad. Satan knows the voice of Christ when those with a pompous Christian status do not. The church can no longer afford Pharisees.

Jesus

Jesus, Savior of the world. For God so loved the world, He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 NIV) Those who believe, are called God’s children. He knew us before we were ever born of our mother’s womb. His plans are to prosper us and not to harm us, to give us a hope and a future. We are not to be dismayed or discouraged, Jesus goes with us wherever we go. We have to seek Him with our whole hearts. Those who seek will find. We must believe.

Sinner

The woman, brought to Jesus a sinner. What did Jesus do? He drew a line in the sand. He confronted the Pharisees’ sin first. If any of them were without sin, they could cast the first stone. Interesting, scripture states the older ones left first one by one until only Jesus and the woman remained. No one was able to condemn her, neither would Jesus. However, what Jesus did say is very important. He told her to go and leave her life of sin behind.

Love

It’s Motivating Monday! John 3:16 kicks off our Valentine’s week. The most incredible love of all. Jesus is full of compassion, yet He expects us to stop sinning. We are covered by new mercies every morning and the gift of grace. It seems when we conquer one sin, another sin permeates. Remember a few weeks back, we discussed drawing towards the light. The closer we become to the light, the more our heart is examined. The more we change from a life of sin to a life of holiness.

Be encouraged!