Lesson 1850

(Lesson 1850)(11-12-16) John 8:1-11

"Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? 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. 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. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 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. 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? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."

In today's quote, Jesus established that sinners are neither authorized nor worthy to judge other sinners.

Today, many so-called Christians, like the scribes and Pharisees mentioned in today's quote, still elevate themselves to a plane of righteousness worthy of judging the sins of their neighbors. That is wrong almost to the point of blasphemy. Jesus didn't even consider Himself to be good, "And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God." (Mark 10:17-18)

It behooves every soul who considers his/herself to be just another sinner, saved by the grace of God, to remain humble in prayer for those who appear to live their lives outside the will of God and to teach those who are willing to listen. And, by all means approach those within the church who wrong you, just as we were scripturally instructed to do, but leave those outside the church to the judgment and ultimate wrath of God.

We must remember, it is not ours to judge sinners, God has already done that. God's judgment is the ONLY righteous judgment.~