Go Now
To reflect God’s heart to the world around us, we need to know God’s heart and, we believe, God’s heart is most clearly represented in Jesus. In the weeks leading up to Easter, we invite you to explore the life of Jesus by reading the Gospel of John with us. As we delve into the richness of scripture, we’ll utilize the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, which invites us to slow down and posture our hearts to hear from God. With that said, let’s begin with a prayer:
Open your time by reciting these words:
Lord, as I approach scripture, prepare my heart to encounter You in its pages. Quiet the distractions that pull me away and open my eyes to see Your truth. May I encounter these words humbly, with an open mind and a receptive spirit. May my time in Scripture be a sacred encounter that deepens my relationship with You and transforms me into the image of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Lectio (Reading)
Take a moment to read John 7:1-8:11 slowly and attentively. As you read, pay attention to any words or phrases that stand out to you. Allow the text to wash over you, inviting the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart.
Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
“No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” John 8:10-11
Meditatio (Meditation)
In John 7, we find ourselves in the bustling city of Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles - a celebration that held deep significance for the Jewish people. Amidst the festivities and religious fervor, tensions simmered as Jesus' presence stirred controversy and hostility among the crowds and religious authorities alike. In spite of his every move being scrutinized, Jesus remained steadfast in his mission to reveal the values that define the Kingdom of God, continuing to teach with wisdom and authority, drawing listeners from far and wide. His word challenged traditional interpretations of the law and offered a radical vision of grace and redemption as well as a deeper understanding of love.
While the heated debate raged on, the religious leaders dragged a woman caught in adultery before Jesus; her shame laid bare for all to see. The crowd waited eagerly, stones in hand, ready to cast judgment upon her. Yet, Jesus responded with compassion and wisdom, cutting through the condemnation like a gentle breeze through a storm. In this powerful encounter, we see the heart of God revealed in all its fullness. Jesus, the embodiment of grace and truth, extends mercy to the broken and forgiveness to the repentant.
Take a moment to reflect on the words you have read. Put yourself in the shoes of the religious leaders concerned about losing their power, the heated crowd fueled by judgment and the desire to condemn, and, finally, the woman overwhelmed with shame and humiliation. Feel the tension that permeated the air.
Contemplatio (Contemplation)
It's all too easy to find ourselves in the crowd with a stone in hand. We may not realize it at first, but our hearts can be quick to judge, our minds swift to condemn. When we encounter someone whose actions or choices don't align with our own, it's tempting to cast stones of criticism and judgment without truly understanding the full story. We may not physically hold stones, but our hearts can be just as quick to condemn. Whether through harsh words, critical thoughts, or unforgiving attitudes, we too often wield judgment instead of extending the same mercy that has been lavished upon us.
Yet, in those moments, we find ourselves standing in the presence of Jesus, who challenges us to examine our own hearts before passing judgment on others. He invites us to consider our own flaws and shortcomings, reminding us that none of us are without sin. And in that humbling realization, we are compelled to drop our stones and embrace the grace that has been freely given to us. As we release our grip on judgment, we open ourselves up to the transformative power of grace, both for ourselves and for those around us.
Take a moment to consider your tendencies to judge and condemn others. Are there areas where you hold stones of judgment instead of extending grace in your life?
Actio (Action)
Where do you see yourself in this woman's story? Because if you were to remove the particular circumstance of her position and enter yours, aren't you in the same place as she was? We are all in need of the same Savior. Many of us struggle to grasp the concept of grace, trapped in cycles of self-condemnation and fear. Carrying the weight of past failures, we live imprisoned by guilt and shame. But Jesus's words offer liberation. He enters the picture so we no longer have to live like this. Jesus invites us to shed our old identities and embrace the new life he offers. We're not tasked with earning our salvation; instead, we're called to live out the grace we've received.
When Jesus said, "Go now and leave your life of sin," He wasn't saying, "Go and earn back your life, prove your worth, and make up for your mess." He was saying you have been given life; now go and do something with it. Take what you have encountered through me, allow it to shape who you are, and live it out. Let it spill out into every area of your life. This doesn't mean from this point forward that we aren't going to face fear or feel pain when we see those who have carried past stones. What it does mean is that we are no longer defined by it. We are to live freely under the authority of God and His grace. The demands of the law replaced by grace - this is what should now define us. His message: "You are forgiven. Now, live in that freedom."
Take a moment to consider where you might be holding onto baggage from your past. Invite the Holy Spirit to remind you of the grace, forgiveness, and mercy you’ve received. What would it look like for you to “Go and Live”?
Oratio (Prayer)
Close your time by reciting this prayer or lifting up your own:
Lord, in a world where judgment comes too easily, and grace often feels scarce, help us lay down our condemnation stones and embrace the boundless mercy You offer. As we reflect on the woman caught in her brokenness, may we see ourselves in her need of grace and forgiveness. Teach us to extend the same compassion You showed her, recognizing our shared humanity and the depth of Your love that knows no limits. Amen.