Before you start, take some time to quiet your heart and your mind. Take some deep breaths and relax. Don’t let anything distract you from spending quality time with God. Pray for focus and for God to speak to you through this devotional. Take your time, and don’t rush this process.
Once you’re ready, read John 8:1-11
I don’t know if your Bible tells you or not, but my Bible says that John 7:53-8:11 are not in the earliest manuscripts. I’m not sure why these wouldn’t be included or what the reasoning behind it is. I’m sure Bible scholars and historians know all about this, but rather than debate the history of these verses, let’s focus more on what they have to teach us.
This story can be viewed from two different perspectives, and they have different lessons to be learned. The first perspective is from that of the Pharisees. They see that this woman did something wrong, and they condemn her for it, and they are on the verge of killing her. Jesus points out that none of them have the right to do this. I imagine that at that moment, all the Pharisees felt really ashamed and guilty. They acknowledge that they are sinful and have no right to judge and condemn this woman. Often, we are like the Pharisees; we point out other people’s sin, we condemn them, and we judge them when we ourselves are sinful and deserving of judgment. Matthew 7:3 (ESV) says, “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” It’s easy for us to point out the flaws and sins of other people, but the truth is we are all equally sinful. None of us has the right to judge and condemn someone else; that is a right only given to God. Take some time to reflect and repent of any times you might have been like the Pharisees, judging and condemning others when you shouldn’t have.
The other perspective you can view this story from is from the perspective that of the woman. Try and picture yourself in her shoes. You committed adultery, and now you are standing before the high priests, the high officials, and the man who has been performing miracles all over. They’re discussing what do with you, and you’re moments away from being stoned. You are scared, guilty, and silent. You feel small, sinful, and insignificant. Just then, Jesus tells all the Pharisees to back off and he saves you. He tells you that he won’t condemn you, and that you are free. How awesome is that! The verses don’t tell us how the woman reacted, but I think we can all imagine who she felt. She was probably super joyful and thankful, and she probably ran off to tell her family and friends about it. That is an awesome feeling. The even more awesome thing is that Jesus did this for every human to ever walk the face of Earth. We all deserve death and an eternity in hell because of the sins we’ve committed. The good news is that Jesus took the penalty of sin away from us by dying on the cross. He has freed us from an eternity in hell, and he has promised each of his followers an eternity in heaven. An ETERNITY in the kingdom of God. I know that I often forget how significant this really is. My reaction to salvation and the cross can be rather apathetic; I forget how truly amazing it is that we are saved. Instead of apathy and indifference, our thoughts towards salvation and the cross should be like the reaction we picture the woman having: joy, thankfulness, and a need to tell others about it. Take this time remember the cross. Ask God to remind you how important and how awesome it is that Jesus died for you and gave you eternal life. Ask God to lead you to share the good news with others and to give you opportunities to do so.
Which perspective speaks to you more: the Pharisees or the woman? Do you need to stop judging and condemning others? Do you need to remember the cross? Ask God to speak to you. Listen and learn from his words. Let his message soak in and abide in you.
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