Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
April 13, 2024
John 8:1-11
1 And Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 Early in the morning he returned to the temple. All the people gathered around him, and he sat down and taught them. 3 The legal experts and Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery. Placing her in the center of the group, 4 they said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of committing adultery. 5 In the Law, Moses commanded us to stone women like this. What do you say?” 6 They said this to test him because they wanted a reason to bring an accusation against him. Jesus bent down and wrote on the ground with his finger. 7 They continued to question him, so he stood up and replied, “Whoever hasn’t sinned should throw the first stone.” 8 Bending down again, he wrote on the ground. 9 Those who heard him went away, one by one, beginning with the elders. Finally, only Jesus and the woman were left in the middle of the crowd. 10 Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Is there no one to condemn you?” 11 She said, “No one, sir.” Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on, don’t sin anymore.”
Good Morning! Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life!
We, God’s children, are sinners. Most of us don’t like to talk about being sinners, and we often try to hide our mistakes. We especially don’t like others to know about those things we do that would be considered appropriate by our friends or co-workers. So we put on a facade to cover our true selves.
At the same time that we are hiding our sins, we are quick to point a finger at others. Sometimes, we even start or continue rumors about someone else's sins. Truly, the only thing that comes out of this is hurt and embarrassment to the one who ends under the light of public approval.
Jesus teaches us that we should not judge others. He tells the gathered crowd that he who is without sins should cast the first stone. Of course, when we are honest we all have sinned, and this is evidenced by the crowd, all walked away and no stones were cast. Jesus forgave the woman of her sins and sent her away.
Gracious God, Thank you for this beautiful gift of life. May we never cast judgment on others. Help us to admit our own sins so that we may ask for forgiveness. We thank you! In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Follow Jesus’ example and reflect God’s love to others.
Share love! Pastor Liz