Day 53, John 8
The conflict between the human-powered religious system led by the Jewish authorities, and the love-focused Kingdom of Jesus heats up even more in this chapter from the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem.
The exchanges are precipitated by a callous attempt to trap Jesus into breaking their laws, by dragging a woman caught in adultery into the center of the crowd. Exposing her in this way, without also exposing the man who was also involved, is unjust and shows the depths to which power will stoop to achieve wicked ends.
But Jesus treats her with great compassion, and exposes their hypocritical motives. When she and Jesus are left alone, He tells her He does not condemn her either (as the only one without sin and thus the only one qualified to pass judgment). And He gives her freedom from a life of sin as her parting gift!
The rest of the chapter records Jesus provoking empty legalism and pride with heavenly freedom and truth. There are many wonderful revelations in His words: which ones stand out to you as you read? Maybe go back and read the chapter again to catch a few more!
We are not immune to the lies of religion: the pressure to achieve, the temptation to pride, the impulse to judge others, and the trap of comparison are all ways that lies get a hold of our hearts. But the truth will set you free.
Let’s review the godly truths Jesus uses to provoke the pompous, lest you and I become like them!
Have a great day!
Mark.