Wednesday - October 5, 2016

Woodlawn Family Bible Study
WEDNESDAY

 BIBLE READING:  John 8:1-30

 In John 8, we find the story of a woman caught in the act of adultery. In the story, the Pharisees plotted to put Jesus between the proverbial “rock and a hard place.” They tried to trick Jesus, hoping He would mess up, which would allow them an opportunity to get rid of Him. We see in the text that they brought this woman to Him. However, that passage is very vague. There is no description of her, nor is there a record of anything she said in her defense, even though he had a reason to be upset. She was probably dragged into the square and accused of committing a sin that requires two people. However, she says nothing about her partner in crime. In fact, neither does the text. Where is he? Is he not just as guilty? Doesn’t he deserve to be punished as well? Why doesn’t she say something about him? 

 We can only speculate about her equally guilty partner. However, we can learn a valuable lesson from her silence. Was this woman sorry for what she had done? After all, throughout the story we never once see her repent of any wrongdoing, yet it seems that Jesus forgives her. All we have is a statement from Jesus when He says, “Go, and from now on sin no more” (John 8:11). Sometimes guilt can be such a powerful tool that it can render us speechless. She knew she was guilty, and she knew that she deserved to be punished. There was nothing left to say. 

 Application: We have to consider what we would have done in a similar situation. Would we have made up an excuse? Sought to justify our actions? Maybe it would serve us well to say nothing at all and, instead, utter a silent prayer to our Heavenly Father, and ask for His forgiveness. Sometimes what says it best is to say nothing at all. 

 Prayer Request

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Colors of Christmas: Green

  Discussion:                                    Evergreen plants, like holly and mistletoe have been used for thousands of years to decorate and brighten up buildings during the long dark winter. They also reminded people that spring would come and winter wouldn't last forever! The Romans would exchange evergreen branches during January as a sign of good luck. The ancient Egyptians used to bring palm branches into their houses during the mid-winter festivals. In many parts of Europe during the Middle Ages, “paradise plays” were performed, often on Christmas Eve. They told Bible stories to people who couldn't read. “The Paradise Tree” in the Garden of Eden in the play was normally a pine tree with red apples tied to it. Today, think about the newness of life we have because we are in Christ. The old man could represent the dark winter and the barren trees. Then think of the bright Christmas trees that are so easily seen! … Help brighten someone’s life this week! Inform
Read more

“Blow-out in Boston”

BIBLE READING: Luke 14 DISCUSSION                                                                                       Boston Globe's account in June 1990 of a most unusual wedding banquet… Accompanied by her fiancé, a woman went to the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Boston and ordered the meal. The two of them poured over the menu, made selections of china and silver, and pointed to pictures of the flower arrangements they liked. They both had expensive taste, and the bill came to $13,000. After leaving a check for half that amount as down payment, the couple went home to flip through books of wedding announcements. The day the announcements were supposed to hit the mailbox, the groom got cold feet. "I'm just not sure," he said. "It's a big commitment. Let's think about this a little longer." When his angry fiancé returned to the Hyatt to cancel the banquet, the manager could not have been more understanding. However, concerning the refund, she h
Read more

“Prepare for Happiness”

  DISCUSSION:                                    Just recently we have seen the devastation that can result from hurricanes, earthquakes, and fire. According to the show on National Geographic channel “Doomsday Preppers” there are a lot of people over the country stocking up on supplies in the hope of being able to survive (months) a natural disaster or power grid failure. Many agree with this philosophy. Who could argue that it is a smart idea to be prepared? As a provider we should take reasonable measures to have our family prepared for hard times both mentally and physically. In this life, Christians have something more precious to protect than material things. Preparing our souls for eternity is much more important. We have been promised a gift that nothing can compare to, a home not made with hands (2Corinthians 5:1). So even if disasters come our way, we can be sure God will take care of His children. As a Christian we have a peace of mind from our faith in God’s word and beli
Read more