Monday Morning Encouragement -- The Best Place Possible

 

"Straightening up, Jesus said to her, 'Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?' She said, 'No one, Lord.' And Jesus said, 'I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.'" John 8:10-11


Throughout Jesus' ministry the Scribes and Pharisees did their best to discredit Him. This time they brought a woman caught in the act of adultery to the Lord, asking Him if He would uphold the law that gave death as a penalty for her sin (Leviticus 20:10, Deuteronomy 22:22). 

It's interesting that the man involved with the woman does not appear to be present. The Mosaic Law stated that both the woman and the man must die. Why didn't the accusers bring her partner to the Lord, as well? 

There is no way we can know the answer for sure, but it is for certain the legalists wanted to shame the woman and trap the Lord at the same time. 

"The leaders were using the woman as a trap so they could trick Jesus. If Jesus said the woman should not be stoned, they would accuse him of violating Moses’ Law. If He urged them to execute her, they would report Him to the Romans, who did not permit the Jews to carry out their own executions (John 18:31)." (gotquestions.com)

Jesus says nothing at first. Instead, He mysteriously writes in the sand with His finger. Whatever He wrote may have had a direct impact on the people around Him, for when He told them to cast a stone at the woman if they were without sin, they all left. Then He turns to the woman with compassion. Although He does not condemn her, He does call her act of adultery sin, and commands her to stop it. 

The Lord is never soft on sin. There is always a penalty for it eventually (Romans 6:23; Ezekiel18:4). That's why we need to run to Jesus, our Savior, for forgiveness. His grace is amazing, His mercy is infinite.

When the religious authorities brought the woman to Jesus, they brought her to the best place possible.

Today's music video Wonderful, Merciful Savior by Selah is one of my very favorite worship songs. The music is beautiful and the lyrics are full of truth. I hope it ministers to you, as it does to me.




I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.


7 comments

  1. The beautiful message is he will eventually will suffer himself so we can be forgiven of our sins. Happy New Week.

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    1. In total obedience to the Father, Jesus fulfilled His mission. A beautiful message, indeed, Kris. Have a great week. xo

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  2. Dear Nancy, I have come to look forward to these Monday morning encouragement posts. You always minister to me. I love that song, too. May Jesus bless you today, sweet friend.

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  3. Beautiful worship song. Praising our God and Savior with you. Thank you Nancy!

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  4. I love this song. I've listened to it over and over a few times. When it says, "Who would have thought that a lamb could rescue the souls of men." I just have to stop in wonder at God's amazing love for us. Thank you, Nancy

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  5. May we never think of ourselves as 'more holy' than anyone else. Happy week to you!

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  6. I have loved this worship song too. Thank you for sharing it with us today. At Bible study tonight we were talking about how Satan thought he had won that day when Jesus died on the cross. But instead, he lost "bigtime" as the kids would say. That was the day that he was defeated forever and we won our hope of salvation in Christ.
    Thank you for this beautiful post and I'm sorry I'm a little late reading it. Life has been crazy here in our house.
    Blessings and hugs,
    Betsy

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