We turn the television off, shaking our heads in disappointment. How many more news stories will we hear that broadcast the suffering of the marginalized at the hands of those in power? Racism, sexism, classism—they are all injustices that God opposes. Not only do we find these stories in our modern news outlets, but the Bible recounts heartbreaking stories that demonstrate the depth and extent of humanity’s brokenness. Like our stories today, the privileged and powerful took advantage of those of lesser socioeconomic status, threatening their very lives. But Jesus cares about those who live on the fringes of society, those whom others turn up their noses at. Today we turn to John 8 and see how Jesus rightly shows the balance between standing up against injustice and extending mercy and compassion.
Unlike the Samaritan woman, this woman had been caught in an act of sin and ostracized because of it.
Picture it. In the early verses of John 8, Jesus was teaching the crowd. He was interrupted by the religious rulers, who had brought a woman with them. What was the reason? They accused her of adultery, having caught her in the very act. And they demanded that Jesus condone her to be stoned to death. What must the crowd have thought? What must that have been like for the woman, to be caught in the act but also to be brought before the public in such a shameful way? Perhaps her friends and family members were in the crowd also.
But John reveals this was a setup, having nothing to do with the woman or condemning sin. The Pharisees wanted to condemn Jesus and bring some charge against him that would finally drive him out of town.
How cruel of these leaders. Instead of responding with a definitive yes or no, Jesus looked at them and demanded that the one who was without sin should be the one to throw a stone at her. He refused to let those in power take advantage of the outcast for their evil purposes. Neither did he allow the marginalized woman to remain in her brokenness. He said to her, “Go your way and sin no more.” What a healing and virtuous moment.
Lord, I pray show the way that I can be like Jesus and show his great compassion for the marginalized today and everyday.
Reminds me of the song..??.give me your eyes for just one second…?? give me your eyes so I can see?? everything that I keep missing…give me your love for humanity.??
A great song to run through my head today!!❤️
♥️?
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After seeing yesterday’s great video dealing with the woman at the well, I had to share the best video I’ve ever seen of the story as eighth episode in The Chosen. It truly brought to life the Joy of the redeemed woman and the sweetness of Jesus is honoring her.
You can find it on YouTube. I highly recommend it.
Thanks for recommending The Chosen. I’ll go watch it.
Moved by your video but extremely encouraged by young women teaching The Word with such clarity and enthusiasm. God has blessed me with 71 years -49 of them studying Scripture and growing to love Him more and more. I was refreshed this morning by you. Thank you.
I agree! This video was amazing!
I identify with the bleeding woman because I have suffered from depression and eating disorders that have cost me many relationships. I was isolating myself for the last 3 years feeling like no one understood the pain that all of this has caused me, and I felt so much shame in sharing it. I think God wants me to repair those barriers by sharing my story of healing and reconciliation with them.
The biggest cause of separation I have experienced is the ways I am left out of church life because I am not a mom. I have learned to use it as a blessing because it has opened my eyes to see other women who feel left out.
Oh friend, I feel you on this! I find it hard to connect with other women in my church because I am the only one my age who is not a mom. I work and have a career, mainly because this is the path God chose for me. But sometimes I feel like I have nothing in common with the others my age. Praying you can find connection and community!
Thank you for your prayers! It is hard to find common ground. I try to gently remind church leadership about the “others,” the ones who don’t fit into the typical family boxes and advocate for their inclusion. Sometimes I am heard and other times I am not, but I know that I have the power to be the one who sees the others and do something about it myself. It’s led to an eclectic group of friends in my life, whom I love.
I am very much exposed to male denominated environment and has sort of pulled down myself esteem and confidence. As a young female novice in the work environment, I feel lost sometimes. I pray that God helps me so I can help others experiencing the same.
I have ministered to many broken woman. He is beautiful to see how God ministers to them in a personal, gentle healing way. I was amazing how he ministered to me and brought me back to himself.
So many. It seems like many women around the world are hurting or carrying so much hurt and pain. Some women have had to be both a father and a mother to children. Women do not have a choice in chores or supporting a family, a woman will do anything for her family and especially kids. Wow! God indeed favours women because he ensured he gave us all the resources to sustain life for ourselves and others. Even when women are tired God gives them energy and they see things through. Oh thank you God. Some of those women in my life, I pray with them. I check up on them a lot more. I offer to help and support where I can. It’s not easy and it’s not about me but what and how God wants me to do his work so before doing anything I need to pray for God’s wisdom and guidance and I need to be obedient because he knows best what everyone needs so we need to know exactly how God intends to use us for others. Amen.