Read It: John 8
Live It:
Have you ever felt publicly accused? Everyone is looking at you, your heart is beating so strongly you can hear it in your ears, your palms are sweaty, and you are meant to respond. Chapter 8 shows two examples of public accusations: one rightfully and one wrongfully.
The woman who was brought before Jesus at the beginning of the chapter, was guilty of her accusations. Yet, Jesus modeled something new to the people of that time– mercy. She did not deserve to walk away unpunished, but Jesus is modeling here how we ALL have sinned and fallen short. (vs10) He is showing us our need for His mercy, undeserved compassion, and forgiveness. (vs11)
Parallelled with the latter part of chapter 8, Jesus is being unfairly and wrongfully accused. Here, Jesus models calmly speaking truth to his accusers. Over and over, they try to trap him, but they can’t because the truth always prevails. Even when they can argue no more and pick up a weapon to harm him, he is spared.
We can glean that if we are accused, God is our defender. We don’t need to defend ourselves; we need only to come humbly to God in repentance, if necessary, and trust Him with the outcome.
Pastor Jenni