John 8:2-11 - The Adulteress Woman

The last day before December - the start of advent. The kids are counting down in anticipation (Mostly because their grandma bought them lego advent calendars and they are biting at the bit to open them.) But I welcome it because with the promise of mini gifts is the avenue to talking about the Greatest Gift.

We decorated over thanksgiving break. It was special to have both girls join me in the decorating. Seems like they love it as I do and is something the three of us can do together. *cue tears

This year BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) is going through the book of John. Every year I learn so much regardless of which book we are studying. So much about God can only be seen in the nuances of the stories. They aren't the ones talked about in church. It's too much and not enough for a sound bite. The very best of the character of Jesus gets overlooked. But who He is is found in the details!

John 8:1-11 

Jesus' response to the religious leaders who are trying to trap him so they can arrest him. They bring him an adulteress woman and use the laws of Moses to ask what he would do with her. And his famous line, "The one without sin among you should be the first to throw a stone at her." 

But it's his tone that I was taken with. Here are mean and hateful people, in his face, trying to trick him. I would have been hot with righteous anger putting everyone in their place. I would have made them cower in their indignation and humiliated them. But Jesus, with incredible restraint, uses truth to teach, not condemn them or poor out his wrath. I'm struck by the way he left room for them to return to Him. 

When my dad was pastor of our church I can remember going to a funeral and seeing him approach a table of people from our church who didn't like him very much. He knelt down and spoke with each one - extending his hand. That set a fire in me! Later I asked him why he would do that when he knew they didn't like him. I'll never forget what he said. "We always have to leave room for them to return."

When I read this passage in John this story is what I was reminded of. Being in leadership at church now, I too must remind myself to always leave the door open for people to return - to us, to church, to family. A reminder for myself today.