John 8:2-6
Now early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?” This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear.
Since we began this month with the singular purpose of becoming more like Christ, I started on a journey of studying his moves, motives, and mindset. I intensely and methodically started gathering data from theological, philosophical and psychological books, journals, internet, etc. But I hadn’t really nailed anything down. Until today.
While I was trying to ‘get deep’, the Spirit whispered clearly to my heart the simple words, say less, do more. That’s the way Jesus lived his life.
Think about it. It wasn’t simply his words or preaching that made him renowned. It was his enduring and loving actions. In matter of fact, his greatest moments are highlighted by the fact he said nothing at times when most of us would respond loudly. Remember when he walked on water without announcing himself to his disciples? He often healed folk and told them to keep it a secret. And who can forget when he was being interrogated by Pilate and didn’t say a word in his defense? So let’s study this sometimes silent Christ.
John notes in his Gospel that the integrity of Jesus was being challenged by the scribes and Pharisees in hope of catching him in error. It’s obvious they knew he wouldn’t condemn this woman caught in adultery. He was too loving for that. But if he didn’t, he would be breaking the law of Moses. And if he did, he would be untrue to his loving grace and mercy. The situation would have put just about anyone else in a real quandary. But not Jesus!
He heard them speak. But instead of verbally responding, he began writing in the dirt. Today that action would seem strange and disrespectful, But in his day, it had tremendous significance; especially to the religious elite. Jeremiah (17:13) had written, “O Lord, the hope of Israel, All who forsake You shall be ashamed. “Those who depart from Me Shall be written in the earth, Because they have forsaken the Lord, The fountain of living waters.” The subtle action of writing on the ground was both a reminder that all have sinned, and a proclamation that Jesus is the Fountain of Living Waters. Brilliant!
This is just one example of the power of the unspoken Word coming to life through loving action. He didn’t condemn the Pharisees by putting their business out there, and he didn’t condemn the woman who was already caught. He quietly, but profoundly confronted each one at their individual level of understanding. The older men first. Then the younger. And finally the woman who he pardoned and sent away free from condemnation.
The question this morning is how do we comport to the ways of Christ in our own lives. What actions, deeds, thoughts and mindset do we need to display to be more like the Lord? This I know! We can’t do it with our old thinking. We can’t do it conforming to the world’s system. And we certainly can’t do it without embracing the Spirit of Christ in our daily walk.
The rules of religion are stiff and inflexible. They demand absolute adherence. They require unrelenting punishment when broken. The culture of the world is in direct conflict with the sovereignty and holiness of God. Only in Christ Jesus can we truly find balance. He’s perfectly holy. He’s perfectly loving and kind. He is the embodiment of all things perfect.
Dear Children of the Most High, please take note of our Christ and his ways this morning. The Word we have inside is certainly powerful and mighty. It corrects and condemns. It motivates and encourages. But most of all it directs and guides our actions. As we follow the leading of the Word, we act in accordance with God’s will. We gain insight outside of strict religious zeal, and outside conformity and worldly intervention. The most loving, sincere, wonderful thing we can do is to follow the example of Jesus. Say less. Do more.
Amen
