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People who are clever are often admired for their cleverness, even when it’s deceptive and deceitful. Many examples of cleverness can be found in the Bible but they show a dark side to this trait.
The talking serpent who tricked the first woman and man to go against God’s warning was considered more clever than all the animals created by God. Cleverness is also expressed with other words such as, shrewd, crafty, subtle, cunning, or sly. The serpent was all those and more (Gen 3:1-7).
Jesus faced increasing opposition from the Jewish religious leaders, as well as those who were more political than religious. Why did they oppose Jesus? Because He threatened the lifestyle and status of these leaders who found a comfortable and secure way of being in power over the people of Israel while under the Roman Empire’s rule.
When threatened, people look for ways to gain or sustain and secure their way of life. Too often, this results in deceptive and manipulative attitudes and behavior. This is the way opposition grew towards Jesus.
But this poignant and powerful story illustrates how powerful mercy is even in the face of judgment.
Scripture
Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early the next morning he returned to the temple courtyard. All the people went to him, so he sat down and began to teach them.
The experts in Moses’ Teachings and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught committing adultery. They made her stand in front of everyone and asked Jesus, “Teacher, we caught this woman in the act of adultery. In his teachings, Moses ordered us to stone women like this to death. What do you say?”
They asked this to test him. They wanted to find a reason to bring charges against him. Jesus bent down and used his finger to write on the ground. [vss 1-6]
When they persisted in asking him questions, he straightened up and said, “The person who is sinless should be the first to throw a stone at her.” Then he bent down again and continued writing on the ground.
One by one, beginning with the older men, the experts in Moses’ Teachings and Pharisees left. Jesus was left alone with the woman.
Then Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Where did they go? Has anyone condemned you?” The woman answered, “No one, sir.”
Jesus said, “I don’t condemn you either. Go! From now on don’t sin.” [vss 7-11]
(John 8:1-11 GW)
Key phrase—
“I don’t condemn you either. Go! From now on don’t sin.”
Digging Deeper...
Review the Scriptures above as you answer the following questions
How does this story begin and where does it take place?
Who interrupts Jesus as He teaches and why do they interrupt Him?
What does Jesus do in response to the question and challenge of the Pharisees?
What seems to cause the Jewish leaders to leave the gathering they interrupted?
Reflection...
When someone challenges us, we all react in one way or another. Our tendency is to defend or justify ourselves in some way. The Pharisees and expert teachers of the Law used Moses as their shield of defense but also as a club to attack Jesus.
Sadly, this woman thrust into the public gathering of people around Jesus is used as part of their effort to trap Jesus. They had no concern for her at all. The situation also prompts a question—Why wasn’t the man involved in adultery with this woman also brought to “justice” (Lev 20:10; Deut 22:22)?
Jesus realized the trap set for Him. How did He handle this attack? He begins to write something in the dust of the ground. After a while, as the experts and Pharisees continue to question Jesus, He stands to deliver His answer to their challenge—“The person who is sinless should be the first to throw a stone at her.”
Jesus doesn’t deny their accusation but He reframes it. Jesus puts the onus of innocence and responsibility on the religious leaders. He holds them accountable to their own accusation and defense with the Law.
Then Jesus bends down to continue writing in the dust at their feet. What does He write? We don’t know but we see its effect. One by one, the men who accused the woman begin to leave, starting with the oldest down to the youngest.
When all her accusers are gone, Jesus stands and asks the woman where her accusers are and who is left to accuse her. But, of course, no one is left but Jesus and the condemned woman. Then Jesus declares His statement of mercy and command to repent—“I don’t condemn you either. Go! From now on don’t sin.”
Mercy is always more powerful than judgment (James 2:13) because mercy is redemptive and the very nature of God (Matt 5:7; Luke 6:36).
Taking it to heart...
Read through the Scripture text again as you consider and answer these questions
Whom do you think was most surprised by the interruption of Jesus teaching in the temple area?
Why do you think the man involved with the woman caught in adultery wasn’t there?
What was the trap the Pharisees set up for Jesus and what do you think they expected Jesus to do?
How have you experienced God’s mercy in your life?
Personalize it...
Meditate On This— The redemptive power of God’s mercy is always more powerful than judgment and condemnation. Believers are also called upon by God to be merciful rather than judgmental for the Lord is merciful by nature.
Prayer Focus— When you find yourself with judgmental feelings towards others, ask the Lord to remind you of His mercy towards you and to help you be a vessel of His mercy to others.
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A Blessed Longing and True Godliness
Forgiveness—the Heart of Redemption
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