Taken in the Act

Taken In The Act

Monday, October 20, 2008: John 8:3–4

Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act.

Background: Jesus Christ spent the night on the Mount of Olives while those He taught went back home. Jesus Christ returned to the temple and so did the people. He taught them there.
The Scribes and the Pharisees did not like this, and the incident we look at this week followed.

Where was the man who was with her? They let him go but they laid hold of the woman. This shows the intentions of the leaders towards Jesus Christ.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008: John 8:5–6

Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?” This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear.

What is unique about these verses? This (and the verses that follow) is the only record of Jesus Christ writing something. He wrote with His finger, reminiscent of the Law, written by the Finger of God, and the judgment against the King in the book of Daniel where a hand without a writing utensil wrote. Note that Jesus Christ stooped down. John the Baptist said that the One who came after himself was so great that he was not fit to even do the menial task of stooping down and untying his shoes.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008: John 8:7–8

So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”
And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground.

What is unique about these verses? He stood up and spoke with authority. He was the only one present that day without sin! The woman was silent, not screaming, nor protesting her innocence. Was she praying in her heart to God for forgiveness? Was Jesus Christ listening to the agony without words? Did He hear her confess, as she perceived this to be her last moment on earth? Did He write off her sin to His account? Did He write her name in the Lamb’s book of life? I think so.

Thursday, October 23, 2008: John 8:9–10

Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”

What is unique about these verses? Only Jesus Christ was left with the woman. None could bear their conscience. The oldest scribes and Pharisees left first, their trap diffused and their purposes defeated. Jesus Christ rose and spoke to the repentant woman, asking her a question.

Friday, October 24, 2008: John 8:11

She said, “No one, Lord.”
And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”

What is unique about this verse? The woman acknowledged His not as Rabbi, but Lord. Graciously, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, tells her there is no condemnation from Him.