They were all about the sin, but Jesus is concerned for the sinner! Y’all remember when Jesus shared the story of the adulterous woman? It’s in John ch. 8. Jesus had gone into the temple. The people were coming to Jesus to learn. Just after He had begun, the Scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman they had “caught” in adultery. They informed Jesus that they had caught the woman in the act. They were challenging Him. They told Him how the Law of Moses commands them to stone such women. They wanted Jesus to tell them what would He do?
They were testing Jesus in order that they might be able to accuse Him. My question is, “where is the guy that was the other party?” But right there in John 8:6, …Jesus stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground. 7 But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, " He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." 8 Again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. I’ve always wanted to know just what Jesus wrote on the ground. Was he listing their sins? Perhaps it was all 10 Commandments? Anyhow, they all began to depart, the older ones first, until only Jesus and the woman remained. 10 Straightening up, Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” 11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.” (nasb)
Have you ever been around people who would draw attention to themselves so they would have you know how religious or spiritual they are? Folks like that are wrapped up more in the sin than they are the sinner! Some of them may be interested in getting ahold of your money. Other just want you to focus your attention on them.
I can’t help thinking of Wally Cleaver’s friend, Eddy Haskell. Kept in check, Eddy was alright, but he had a tendency to stray. Many of the folks you encounter will be okay. But be on the watch! They may put on a false façade of being concerned, caring, and having compassion. They are like wolves wearing a sheep suit! We need to pray for them, love them, and minister to them. And most of all, be careful! The Pharisees, of Jesus’ time, felt like they were better than everybody else, they looked down their noses at people, they thought they were better than everybody else, and they sure weren’t going to put other people in same category as themselves! But Jesus shows us we are all sinners.
It doesn’t matter what talents you have, or how much money or stuff you’ve got. It doesn’t matter if you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth or a hand carved wooden ladle with splinters. Just remember, the grace that can save them, is the same grace that saves you! Jesus! The Pharisees ended up cussing and mocking the very one who was dying to save their soul! The One who wrote, the commandments in stone, is now writing in the sand! Has He written your sin in the sand?
No matter how much good you’ve done, what if Jesus were writing your sin in the sand for all to see? Just one sin, and if He put your name beside it, wow! If Jesus did that today, you and I would be at the altar, repenting!! I know that I would drop the stones that I was ready to throw. Yes, I must drop the stones. It’s time we repent, stop pointing fingers, start lifting our hands and our hearts to help others! Choose Jesus, choose life and let your light shine! And find a Bible believin’ church where you “fit in” and know, grow, and follow Christ! Tell others! See y’all at church and keep PRAYIN’ for HIS HARVEST! Invite Him to bring forth the Rain! Amen!