Break Free With An Absolute Jesus
Break free with an absolute Jesus. The story of how Jesus treated an adulterous woman reveals a gracious and absolute savior. God himself in human form. He is not trapped by human agendas, doesn’t conform to human expectations, or is limited by human understanding.
Break free with an absolute Jesus. He is not trapped by human agendas
Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say? This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. (ESV, John 8:5-6)
A group of religious leaders sought to trap Jesus in a religious quandry. And they presented to him an ironclad case. A woman caught in the act of adultery. And then they self-righteously quoted the law of Moses. The penalty for it was death by stoning. What did he say?
The irony? They didn’t care about the woman or the law. Only their agenda. And that was to discredit Jesus as a rising, religious teacher. They didn’t accept him as the Son of God. But simply an itinerant upstart trying to replace them on the pedestal of religious prestige.
Of course, Jesus knew the law too. And recognized the trap. So, he dismantled their agenda with a reverse move. He addressed the sin in their own hearts.
“Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” (ESV, John 8:7)
Jesus understood that human agendas arise within a sinful, human heart. It quickly condemns the sins of others, but is blind to its own. And the most glaring? The sin of pride represented by self-righteousness.
But Jesus doesn’t merely see through human agendas. He transcends them. Because he’s after something more imporatant. Our hearts. This is where he focuses his attention.
Break free with an absolute Jesus. He does not conform to human expectations
Jesus didn’t conform to the expectations of the religious establishment. And it infuriated them. Because he wasn’t the Messiah they expected. Therefore, they rejected him.
The religious leaders in this story thoroughly knew God’s law. Or at least their version of it. And if Jesus was really God, he would have to support it. Because the law was clear. The woman was guilty and the penalty was death.
The problem? We all are guilty of sin and sentenced to death. Only by God’s grace are we saved. We consistently miss this when we try to conform God to our expectations. Instead, we should conform our thinking to the mind of God.
Furthermore, the religious leaders missed the whole intent of the law. Rather than the humanly devised, legalistic version they followed, it was embraced and expressed by the heart. Confronted with their own sin, the religious leaders dropped the rocks in their hands and left one by one until only Jesus and the woman remained. His words to her were full of grace, but with a new action plan. “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.”
Jesus is the path of reconcilliation. The beacon of grace. And fountain of forgiveness. He offered all of them to the woman. And does the same for us today.
Break free with an absolute Jesus. He is not limited by human understanding
Everyone knew the woman was guilty of adultery and the consequence for it. But her accusers all left. And Jesus offered her grace. Why?
Because that is why he came. Not to establish a physical kingdom like the religious leaders expected, but a spiritual one. To offer grace rather than condemnation. And redeem rather than punish. But we have to make a choice.
The woman could return to her old life she knew or follow Jesus and break free from bondage. We don’t know what she decided. But Jesus presents the same offer today.
Which choice will you make?
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
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