John 8

“let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw stones at her”

Self righteous. She was caught and needed to be stoned. That is the law after all! No matter that they planned to catch her. That they went out of their way and were excited to do so. That she was the reason they were able to finally catch Jesus in a question he couldn’t answer. After all, she deserved it - she was an adulterer, and THAT deserved death!!

But what does Jesus do? “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.”

And they left, beginning with the oldest.

I hope I always remember that I am a sinner, never perfect, only comparing myself to Christ who is perfect. That it is NOT my place to judge - that’s Gods department. I am not on this earth to compare, to judge, to talk about, to concern myself with the shortcomings of others - they could do the same with me so easily, I am sure I have ticked off more than a few in my time. What is my (and your) job this year? Love God, Love others. Seek justice, Love mercy, Walk humbly with Jesus everyday, learning his character more and more so that we can all grow to be more like him.

I also need to look at verse 8 (I know, if I want to tackle a chapter a day.....)

It’s the end of the feast of tabernacles and the lamp stand is dark. And Jesus proclaims “I am the light of the world.” But they don’t get it. I feel like this may be one of the longest back and forth discussions Jesus has with the leaders of the Jews and He tells them point blank “I am” and they interrupt him no less than 10 times! And they don’t argue that he is the son of God - they can’t. What they argue is the technicality of the witnesses. It’s like they are throwing it back at him since he threw it at them with the adulterous woman. This is the man they are trying to kill and he is right in front of them. And they sit and argue and do not touch him. They can’t - because He is in charge and He is God and His time is not at hand. His sayings are hard and some believe but many don’t.

Jesus parleys back and forth and tells it like it is. “I am the light of the world.... If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” “If anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” And “Truly I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”

I could go into all the significance of Jesus using the terms light of the world and carrying out the mission to the gentiles and the use of I AM and angering the Jews.

But here’s what we really need today - if you are not for Christ, you are for Satan. And no amount of words or explaining or convincing will ever make sense. And the truth will anger your soul. But if you are of Christ, and your desire is to follow Him, His words will be life to you. His words will be a balm for your soul and will give you life daily. You will love Him and grow in your desire to follow and serve Him. There will be no room for apathy in your walk and you will never grow tired of His words for they are the true living water that your soul yearns for day in and day out. There will be ups and downs, there always is in a relationship, but even when you think you are on a plateau or stalled, trust me, no trust God, you ARE growing

. All the rest, the history, the back ground, the extra scriptures that tie in - that’s just icing on the cake!