September #jammed: Free Grace.
Day 250: First words.
“Let’s draw on the driveway!!!” my littles yelled. Rainbows and unicorns and “I love you, mom’s.” As I walked back up from the mailbox the next day, all of their messages interrupted my envelope sifting and the colors in my peripheral vision moved into focus.
What did Jesus know about how often we look at the ground? That day, I was haphazardly looking at my mail as the words on my driveway caught my eye. But more often we look down to avoid looking at other people. We’re too busy to talk or too choosy to associate with their banter or perhaps avoiding an apology or confrontation. Whatever the reason may be, Jesus proves in today’s verse that even when we are trying to avoid His eye contact, His message will still catch our eye.
Jesus: Let the first stone be thrown by the one among you who has not sinned.
Once again Jesus bent down to the ground and resumed writing with His finger. The Pharisees who heard Him stood still for a few moments and then began to leave slowly, one by one, beginning with the older men. Eventually only Jesus and the woman remained, and Jesus looked up.
Jesus: Dear woman, where is everyone? Are we alone? Did no one step forward to condemn you?
Woman Caught in Adultery: Lord, no one has condemned me.
Jesus: Well, I do not condemn you either; all I ask is that you go and from now on avoid the sins that plague you.
As the others looked down at the ground, none wanting to answer Jesus’ question, the words He wrote convicted them all to step away from their judgement. Can you hear His holy finger moving the dirt in a quiet, captivated crowd, awaiting for Him to side with them and stone this woman? The quiet turned to shock as their eyes possibly widened at His words and then slow-shuffling steps faded away from the scene.
They thought they had her. But Jesus found a way to love this woman, forgive this woman, and illustrate compassion only God is capable of giving.
Father, Praise You for forgiveness! Thank You for Grace! We confess the wrong that we have done and the convictions we have placed upon others. Forgive us, and strengthen our hearts to be compassionate like Jesus’. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Get the conversation started by commenting below, and let’s encourage one another as we face life in 2017 armed with grace!
#greatgrace17
Happy Chalking,
Megs
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