Jesus the righteous judge

READ: 1 Kings 13, 14 ; Psalm 150 ; John 8: 1- 30

SCRIPTURE: John 8: 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group
4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery.
5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?”

OBSERVATION: Here we see another cunning attempt of the Pharisees and the scribes to trap Jesus in their evil schemes. They wanted to accuse Jesus depending on his response to their question. If Jesus’s answer was in favor of killing the woman, they would have portrayed  that Jesus was against the Roman empire. Because, in those days the authority to give death penalty was not with Jews. If Jesus refused to command to kill the adulteress woman by stoning , they would have accused Jesus that he was disloyal to the Mosaic Law. According to the Law, both the man and woman who did the sin of adultery should be killed (Lev.20:10. Deut.22:22). Here, they had brought only the woman who was caught in adultery to the temple courts. 

They were waiting for Jesus’ answer and were ready to accuse him in either way. But Jesus was writing something on the floor with his finger, instead of answering them. Some people relate "Jesus’ writing with his finger" to the O.T event of God's writing with his finger  (Exodus 31:18). Likewise, people give different explanations concerning Jesus’ writing on the floor with his finger. When they pressed Jesus to give an answer, Jesus told, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Jesus’ response must have provoked their conscience and fear. So they all left the place, one after another. Finally, Jesus also did not condemn her. Rather, he instructed her not to continue the immoral life. 

Some accuse that Jesus’ action towards the adulteress woman proves that he also was a sinner. In any court of law,  a judge would pass a judgement based on the evidence presented before him/her. If a judge allows an accused person to go free, it does not mean that the judge also committed a crime, like the accused. Jesus revealed his power to forgive her sins as the righteous judge. Those who tried to catch Jesus with evil plans were trapped by Jesus’ answer. They had no option to accuse Jesus. Rather, their conscience accused them of their wrong deeds. Jesus the righteous judge averted their plans and gave the woman an opportunity to live a new life. 

APPLICATION: Before I make a complaint against anyone, I should be aware of my own faults and shortcomings. I should remember that “The Lord detests dishonest scales” (Pro. 11:1). As a Christian, I should be ready to forgive people and give them a life rather than condemning them. My self-righteous acts are like filthy rags. Jesus is my righteousness. He teaches me to love people. So, I should judge people with love and God’s righteousness.  

PRAYER: Jesus, there is none like you to love me. When people are ready to accuse and condemn me, you love me and show your mercy. Lord, you are the righteous judge. Help me to live in your jurisdiction with your righteousness. Amen.

 - Arputharaj Samuel +91 9538328573

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