Jesus teaches us not to judge each other
Bible Accent: The writings of John
Saint for Today: St. John of Egypt
Puzzle
Jesus teaches us not to judge each other
There were many rumors spreading throughout Galilee that the Messiah had come, and his name was Jesus. People argued that the Messiah would not come from Galilee, but from the city of David’s family. They said the Scriptures said the Messiah would come from Bethlehem. The Pharisees wanted Jesus arrested. They thought the people had been deceived by him. Nicodemus, who had at one time spoken to Jesus in person, said, “Does our law condemn a person before it first hears him and finds out what he is doing?”
The others answered, “You are not from Galilee, also, are you? Look and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.” Then the men all returned to their homes. Jesus had been in the Mount of Olives while the men were speaking about him.
After leaving there early in the morning, Jesus walked to the temple. People immediately started to gather around him, so he sat down and began to teach them. While he was there some of the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman to him and forced her to stand in full view of everyone.
One of the men said, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?”
Jesus knew that the scribes and Pharisees were trying to trick him into saying something that would break one of the laws of Moses. Instead he ignored them and knelt down and started writing on the ground with his finger. The men kept asking him for an answer.
Finally Jesus stood up, looked directly at them and said, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Then he continued writing on the ground. The woman’s accusers one by one walked away. They did not know how to say anything more after his wise response. When everyone had gone except for the woman, Jesus stood up and spoke to her. “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
The woman looked around to be sure there was no one left to accuse her of anything. “No one, sir.”
Then Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you. Go (and) from now on do not sin anymore.” Jesus had to be watchful of the scribes and Pharisees who were plotting against him after that day.
READ MORE ABOUT IT:
John 7, 8
Q&A
1. Why did the men bring the woman to Jesus?
2. Who did Jesus say could throw the first stone?
Bible Accent: The writings of John
John and his brother James were chosen by Jesus to be members of his first group of disciples. Like Peter, they were fishermen.
Jesus considered these three men to be his closest friends, and he told them things he told no one else. Although some Biblical references suggest that John may have been quick to be angry, Jesus referred to him as the disciple that he loved, and most of John’s writings are about God’s love.
One example he gave for us to demonstrate our love for God was to show love for one another. He said we know that God loves us because he sent his son, Jesus, to die for our sins.
In addition to the fourth Gospel, John wrote three short letters, or epistles, that are part of the New Testament, and he wrote the Book of Revelation when he was exiled by the Roman Emperor on the Island of Patmos.
Saint for Today: St. John of Egypt
John of Egypt (304-394) was trained as a carpenter. When he was in his mid-20s, he turned his back on the things of the world and found an old man who became his spiritual teacher and adviser. For the next 10 years he obeyed the man, no matter how difficult a task was to perform or to understand.
After the old man died, John visited many different monasteries, but decided they were not for him at that time. Instead he lived in a small cave that allowed very little light into it. He would spend his days in prayer and on weekends he would give spiritual guidance to the men from the area who came asking for it.
He lived on a diet of dried fruits and vegetables. He developed a following, and many people were amazed at his wisdom and his spiritual gifts. Many miracles are attributed to him.
We honor him on March 27.
