8 but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. 3 The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst 4 they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. 5 Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” 6 This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. 7 And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. 9 But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. 10 Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”
12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” 13 So the Pharisees said to him, “You are bearing witness about yourself; your testimony is not true.” —John 8:1-13 English Standard Version (ESV)
They say perception is reality.
1. New
? Jesus’ opinion.
Are you a mom who feels like she is struggling to do all the things that moms are supposed to do? Jesus sees you.
Are you a grandmother who is taking on more than your share of parenting duties after you thought your turn was over? Jesus sees you.
Are you someone who desperately wants to be a mother, but that prayer has not been answered yet? Jesus sees you.
Are you someone who isn’t married but wants to be? Jesus sees you.
Are you a woman who uses the gift of mercy and hospitality to love and lift those in your life? Jesus sees you and welcomes you to his table in the church.
Are you a woman who does NOT have the gift of mercy or hospitality but instead the gifts of leadership and administration and you’ve felt awkward for being “strong”? Jesus sees you and welcomes you to his table in the church.
2.New
? Jesus’ understanding.