Speak Lord; I’m Listening – Daily Bite-Size Encouragement – Day 5
I find Jesus patient interaction with the adulteress a fascinating story:
Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Now very early in the morning, he came again into the temple, and all the people came to him. He sat down and taught them.
The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman taken in adultery. Having set her in the middle, they told him, “Teacher, we found this woman in adultery, in the very act. Now in our law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. What then do you say about her?” They said this testing him, that they might have something to accuse him of.
But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with his finger. But when they continued asking him, he looked up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw the first stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground with his finger.
They, when they heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning from the oldest, even to the last. Jesus was left alone with the woman where she was, in the middle.
Jesus, standing up, saw her and said, “Woman, where are your accusers? Did no one condemn you?”
She said, “No one, Lord.”
Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go your way. From now on, sin no more.” (John 8:1-11 WEB)
Here are several observations:
- Adultery involves two people, yet we see only the woman thrown at the feet of Jesus.
- The Scribes and Pharisees only brought the women because they were trying to trap Jesus to accuse Him and find Him guilty of breaking the law.
- Jesus paused and waited upon His Father.
- Jesus insinuated that if the other people are sinless and perfect, they could stand in judgment of this woman.
- None were sinless. None were perfect.
- One by one, the elite realized they had no grounds for accusation or judgment against this woman, so they abandoned their argument and vacated the scene.
- Jesus did not condemn the woman and encouraged her to live a life of freedom.
Jesus is the pure example of being patient, “The quality of bearing offenses and injuries without anger or revenge.” [Webster] I believe the Lord wants us to learn to be patient with one another.
Jesus inspires us to love Him and to love others. Just as Jesus had been patient with us, we need to extend patience with others. I pray we will walk in more love, patience, and understanding towards one another in the coming days. Who do you need to show love and patience towards today?
Christian patience is an active thing. It conveys the idea of positive endurance rather than quiet acceptance. ~A. Fernando
Recommendation:
Patience as a Fruit of the Spirit Patience – One of 9 Fruits of the Spirit – Strength with Dignity
Patience as a Garment to Wear Patience – One of 8 Garments to Wear – Strength with Dignity
References:
Webster’s 1828 Dictionary. Retrieved October 4, 2021, from http://webstersdictionary1828.com/
World English Bible (WEB) by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.
Bible Scriptures were retrieved October 4, 2021, from https://www.biblegateway.com #bgbg2 #BibleGateway
