Ruined by disturbing grace

This past Sunday we looked at two passages: Phil 3:7-11 and John 8:2-12. We will look more at the Philippians passage in coming weeks. The John passage shares the story of the religious leaders of Jesus' day trying to trap him in a theological maze and ruin his reputation as a good teacher. They are also hoping to dislodge him as the central prophet role he is holding at that time. A woman is caught in the very act of adultery and paraded in front of Jesus to determine her fate.

Should she be stoned (thrown rocks at until she is dead) as the Law of Moses declares?
Or should she be released (some zealous God-honoring prophet Jesus would be if he is easy on sin)?

The thinking I have from my study comes mostly as questions. here are a few for you to ponder, struggle with and find other interpretations on:

• Where is the man who was also caught in adultery?
• Who caught her and what were they doing spying (voyeur) on them?
• When was the last time someone was publicly stoned in this town?
• What does Jesus write in the sand/ground?
• Is it the same thing each time or does he change his scribbling?
• Why does the crowd not react the first time around to the scribbling?
• What would Jesus write that is in line with his character and teaching and manner of dealing with sin that we've already seen in scripture?
• Why do the oldest leave first?
• What would I have done if I were in the crowd? Why?
• What does Jesus treatment of this woman say about God's heart and what grace truly means?
• How am I disturbed by this extension of grace to someone who obviously chose to sin?
• What does Jesus' words, "leave your life of sin", say about grace?
• Why does he not say, "stop your adultery"?

I'll leave those questions for you to ponder and meditate on.

Grace and peace,
Troy