Sunday Sermon: Leaning on Jesus, July 26, 2020
Life can be very frustrating when we are barely making it. The story of the woman caught in adultery in John 8:3-12 reveals that:
A total dependence on God will make all the difference in the world. God is our provider and refuge -John 7:37-39 and a light for those wandering in the wilderness of despair-John 8:12 in challenging times.
We should not allow our frustrations get the best part of us during painful life experiences, be slow to speak, confess and acknowledge our sins that we might be healed.
The word of God is comforting to heal our minds and hearts from thoughts and imaginations that weigh down our hearts, cloud our minds, and frustrate our peace. When we lose houses, cars, or jobs, we do not lose them to the devil. There is not much he could do with them. Satan uses those moments to distract and disturb our peace of mind. What Stan wants is our peace. The very thing that Jesus brought to us: joy, peace, and good will to ALL MEN. Let us read the text
John 8:3-12
3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
The story presents Jesus as a Friend of Sinners
We can depend on Him because he:
Recognizes our humanity without approving our sins, and invites our participation in the grace of God - John 7:37-39 & John 8:12
Gives the sinner hope - Ps 46:1 state that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble
Makes sinners feel valued by saving them from the embarrassment, humiliation of others, and immoral habits to focuses on what the sinner could become. Rom 8:1. There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus
Example: On the last day of the feast of Tabernacle, the court of Women is lavished with magnificent lamp lighting ceremony. The incredible display of light is a type of Jesus to humanity. Mary saw this light through Jesus and was drawn to it. The darkness of sin flees in the light of God’s grace like a person fleeing from the battlefield
The story also suggests that It is better to heal a wound than to open it
The accusers’ wounded consciences were open but not healed. They were biased and unqualified prosecutors, staged and played in Satan’s hands. The real accuser was Satan himself - Rev 12:10.
Justice must be right and fair to provide healing or deliverance - Deut. 17:7 - requires the witnesses to cast the first stone, which the accusers could not do because they only brought the woman with the man involved in the act
So, we have a better chance to overcome Satan plots when we are aware of our own sins than those of others.
If it was not for Jesus, Mary would be dead. Jesus does not condemn us because we are created by Him and when something goes wrong in us, He can fix. To depend more on Jesus will make all the difference in the world. He is a friend who understands your situation more than anyone else.
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