1

The Right AttitudeJohn 7:53 – 8:11

All About the Story

Not a “Thing”

2

The Right AttitudeJohn 7:53 – 8:11

All About the Story Problems with the text

1. It is an old story included by some early on

2. It fits the pattern of John and fills a void

3. May have been omitted early on for cultural reasons linked to paganism – Augustine

4. It is true to Christ’s nature

3

The Right AttitudeJohn 7:53 – 8:11

All About the Story The story reveals sin’s horror

The point is not the woman but the men A trap was “set-up” for Jesus Multiple witnesses were necessary The men’s dishonesty is very overt Jesus turns the tables

4

The Right AttitudeJohn 7:53 – 8:11

All About the Story The God of circumstances

What was at stake? the life of the woman the teaching of Jesus about compassion the divinely given Law of Moses

Problem – how can God show love to the sinner without being unjust?

5

The Right AttitudeJohn 7:53 – 8:11

All About the Story The God of second chances

Jesus speaks to the woman No condemnation – therefore faith Stop sinning as a result of faith Not – sin no more and I will not condemn

you

6

The Right AttitudeJohn 7:53 – 8:11

Not a “Thing” The attitude of the Jewish rulers

Rulers tried to use the woman – a thing Obvious set-up Woman was probably young – stoning,

comparing Lev. 20:10 with Deut. 22:23-24 Rulers also used the Word of God

7

The Right AttitudeJohn 7:53 – 8:11

Not a “Thing” The attitude of Jesus

Characterized by understanding Characterized by compassion Characterized by forgiveness Characterized by challenge

8

The Right AttitudeJohn 7:53 – 8:11

ApplicationWhat is your place in this story? Are you like the crowd who stood watching? Are you like the rulers who use people and

never stop to hear the words of Jesus? Are you like the woman who heard and

received the Gospel message?

9

The Right AttitudeJohn 7:53 – 8:11

ApplicationDo you treat people like things to be manipulated and controlled?

Do you have genuine compassion for others? … in spite of their wrong choices?

This “Jesus compassion” only comes from communing with our Father!