Tolerance (Or Foregiveness)
10 Minutes
John 8:1-11
8:1 Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.
2 Early the next morning he went back to the Temple. All the people gathered around him, and he sat down and began to teach them.
3 The teachers of the Law and the Pharisees brought in a woman who had been caught committing adultery , and they made her stand before them all.
4 "Teacher," they said to Jesus, "this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery.
5 {8.5 Lv 20.10; Dt 22.22-24.} In our Law Moses commanded that such a woman must be stoned to death. Now, what do you say?"
6 They said this to trap Jesus, so that they could accuse him. But he bent over and wrote on the ground with his finger.
7 {28.7 Su 34.} As they stood there asking him questions, he straightened up and said to them, "Whichever one of you has committed no sin may throw the first stone at her."
8 Then he bent over again and wrote on the ground.
9 When they heard this, they all left, one by one, the older ones first. Jesus was left alone, with the woman still standing there.
10 He straightened up and said to her, "Where are they? Is there no one left to condemn you?"
11 "No one, sir," she answered. "Well, then," Jesus said, "I do not condemn you either. Go, but do not sin again."] {[Many manuscripts and early translations do not have this passage (8.1-11); others have it after Jn 21.24; others have it after Lk 21.38; one manuscript has it after Jn 7.36.]}
Lesson -
1) The woman committed a sin for which she was to be sentenced the death penalty. She deserved death according to the law.
2) The Pharisees and teachers wanted to execute her. They knew Jesus would let her go - so they could condemn Jesus for not following the law.
But Jesus got the teachers and Pharisees to let her her go by reminding them of their sins.
3) If Jesus tolerates sins unto death through forgiveness - how can we not tolerate also? What Would Jesus Do? Would He tolerate those who you condemn? Let someone go - teach them a lesson. Always remember "The Law Standing on One Foot."
Matthew 22:36 "Teacher," he asked, "which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"
37 {22.37 Dt 6.5.} Jesus answered, " " Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.'
40 {22.35-40 Lk 10.25-28.} The whole Law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets depend on these two commandments."
