Passage of the Day:
But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin,” John 8:1-11.
Reflection:
One of the many things I learned in Seminary is that some scholars believe that the Gospel of John has 2 separate endings. Since John 20 and John 21 both have conclusions, the theory that makes the most sense is that a disciple of John added John 21 following John’s death and may have added today’s featured passage as well. While most Bibles have a disclaimer in John 8:1-11, I believe this event did happen but was added after John’s death. Subsequently, as you read today’s passage, think of this passage as one of many untold stories about Jesus, John 21:25.
Prayerful Action:
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving, Ephesians 5:3-4.
Setting Clear Boundaries to Live By:
Jesus arrived just as Jewish elders from this town were gathering stones to begin this adulterous woman’s execution. Since the words written in the sand by Jesus are not mentioned, scholars have speculated that Jesus was possibly writing down the secret sins of those with rocks in their hands. Perhaps, Jesus was repeating the words of His sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:27-30 about adultery. If you can commit adultery in your heart and mind, everyone is an adulterer. As for setting boundaries, don’t put yourself into a compromising position. This includes avoiding being in a room alone with a member of the opposite sex. When you find yourself in a tempting situation, look for the way out, 1 Corinthians 10:13, so that sin is eliminated.
Song of the Day:
Go and sin no more is a life verse for many Christians struggling with addiction. Whether this addiction is from your past or recently rearing its ugly head, heed this advice from Jesus. May the Holy Spirit fill you with an overwhelming desire to purge any reminders of these bad habits from your life.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 