He gives Hope

"He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first."     John 8:1-11.  NKJV

Try and picture the scene here. A woman was caught in the very act of adultery and was publicly humiliated by the religious leaders as they brought her out to stand before Jesus. Now, adultery usually includes two people, so where was the man? Why wasn't he brought out as well? It seems a strong case here of discrimination. An act full of injustice. Now, I am not supporting the woman here. She would have known it was wrong to commit adultery and so would the man. There could be excuses - yes; perhaps she had been divorced or been made a widow. She may have been trying to gain future security for herself. Who knows. But adultery was wrong in the eyes of God and the Law of Moses, but the act of stoning seemed quite barbaric too. She was desperate possibly for love, companionship, security and a better life. She needed to hope in something good happening. This is not unlike some of the many people in our  present times, when they become involved in things that they shouldn't out of desperation and lack of hope.

Jesus was being set up here. The religious leaders were not really bothered about this case of adultery. They wanted to entrap Jesus and wanted to hear what His comments were on the subject. If He were to say, 'Let her go,' that could be seen as breaking the Law of Moses. If He said, 'Stone her,' they could have accused Him of being hypocritical - after all He had been telling people about love and forgiveness. It really was a tricky situation for Him.

When He said to them, 'He who is without sin among you, let Him throw a stone at her first.' v7. That cleared the place straightaway. It's interesting here because, Jesus would have qualified to have thrown the first stone because He had not sinned - ever. He was the only one who was sin-free, but He was the only one who was giving her hope as well.

After the place had been cleared because of the conviction that the religious leaders felt, He looked at her and said these important words, 'Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.' 
Jesus had stooped down to her level and then brought her up to His level. He had given her the hope that she was searching for. She had met with Jesus; she would never get involved in this type of sinfulness anymore. She had seen Jesus - face to face. She had felt the compassion and care that He offered her. She had seen that there is a love in this world after all, that wasn't just take, take. 

There are many people in this world today who are desperate for this type of love. They are lonely, hungry and hurting and long for something to brighten their lives. Jesus is the Light of the world. (John 8:12). He can brighten this for them. You may be one of them. You may need some type of miracle in your life today. Or you may know of someone, who is desperate and down on their luck. Christmas is almost upon us; a time when we celebrate Jesus and the hope that He offers. Why not make this the best Christmas that you have ever known and receive the best Christmas present too:

Lord Jesus, I give my life to You. Please forgive My sins and come and live in my heart. Fill me with You Holy Spirit and be My Lord and Saviour. I desperately need Your love today. Please come Lord. In Jesus' Name. Amen

If you've said this prayer, you are now born again. Get yourself a bible, read it and join a caring church. Email me to let me know as well.
If you already know Jesus, why not brighten someone else's life this Christmas by introducing them to Jesus.

Be Blessed

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com