Tuesday, March 22, 2022
WDW — Magic Kingdom
February 16th, 2022
“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” ~John 8:10
Bible Reading: John 8:1-11
An Adulteress Forgiven
“But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn he went to the temple again, and all the people were coming to him. He sat down and began to teach them. Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, making her stand in the center. “Teacher,” they said to him, “this woman was caught in the act of committing adultery. In the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” They asked this to trap him, in order that they might have evidence to accuse him. Jesus stooped down and started writing on the ground with his finger. When they persisted in questioning him, he stood up and said to them, “The one without sin among you should be the first to throw a stone at her.” Then he stooped down again and continued writing on the ground. When they heard this, they left one by one, starting with the older men. Only he was left, with the woman in the center. When Jesus stood up, he said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, Lord,” she answered. “Neither do I condemn you,” said Jesus. “Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.” (CSB: Christian Standard Bible Version)
John 8:1-11 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%208:1-11&version=NIV
After reading this scripture passage, it is clear that this was about trying to “trick” Jesus regarding the laws of Moses. The woman could have been any woman, as she was merely the “pawn” for the Pharisees puppet trial in the street. The motivation was never about the issue of sin, clearly we all sin. It is evident that these Pharisees placed themselves above the law, they could easily point out the faults & failures of others but failed to recognize any wrongdoing in their own lives.
Jesus allowed the Pharisees to plead their case about the woman, Jesus even told them that according to the Mosaic Law stated the witness who reported the adultery, would be the first to cast the stones. Then Jesus added these words, “Let anyone of you who is without sin to be the first to throw a stone at her.” — No one dared to be first! In fact, the Pharisees began dropping their stones and walking away, with the older men leaving first. In the end, only Jesus and the woman remained. Jesus was the only one without sin, the only one worthy to cast a stone. Jesus does not throw a stone but asks a question, “Has no one condemned you?” The woman, after looking around replied, “No one, sir.” The woman who knew she was guilty of the charges stated by the Pharisees, her response to Jesus was one of respect; “No one, sir.” She respected Jesus. And, Jesus says to the woman, “Then neither do I condemn you, Go now and leave your life of sin.”
Jesus remains the only sinless human who has every right to give us what we deserve for our sinfulness, but Jesus loves us. Jesus offers forgiveness, hope and a future for all of us and none of us are deserving.
The Pharisees used this woman. preyed upon her vulnerabilities and exploited her for their own shady purposes.
Challenge Questions
The Bible doesn’t tell us what happened next, but let’s sit and reflect.
- Have you ever felt exploited by those in religious power?
- Not an easy question to answer but definitely worth thinking about.
- Have you ever sat in condemnation of others, whether secretly judging them or openly gossiping about them?
- Yes, not proud of such behavior.
- How do Jesus’ words to the Pharisees and to the woman speak to you today?
- Jesus sees and acts with compassion, love and kindness. Qualities He wants us to practice with everyone we come into contact with.
- “Treat others as you want to be treated”. Wise words!
Further Study
A Letter To The Exiles
Jeremiah 29:10-14 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Jeremiah%2029:10-14&version=NIV
Judging Others
Matthew 7:1-5 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Matthew%207:1-5&version=NIV
Jesus Teaches Nicodemus
John 3:16-17 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%203:16-17&version=NIV
Life Through The Spirit
Romans 8:1-3 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%208:1-3&version=NIV
Friends,
Thanks for visiting my blog today, I am blessed by your support and encouragement. 💚🌸🌱🌺🍃🌻☘️☀️
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
References:
HOPE SEEKER 
You must be logged in to post a comment.