Choosing Justice or Mercy | Wonder Wk 3

The article “Choosing Justice or Mercy ,” presented by Dr. Chip Bennett, explores the profound themes of justice and mercy through the biblical story of the woman caught in adultery (John 7:53-8:11). Dr. Bennett emphasizes the importance of personal stories and how they connect us to one another and to God, framing the Bible as a narrative that reflects our own experiences.

The discussion begins with an acknowledgment of human imperfection and the grace found in Christianity, reminding believers that they are forgiven and transformed in Christ. The narrative of the woman caught in adultery serves as a pivotal example of the tension between adhering to the law and extending grace. Dr. Bennett highlights the hypocrisy of the religious leaders who bring the woman before Jesus, focusing on their intentions to trap Him rather than genuinely seeking justice.

As the story unfolds, Jesus confronts the accusers, challenging them to reflect on their own sins before condemning her. His response encapsulates the balance of justice and mercy, ultimately offering forgiveness to the woman while urging her to leave her life of sin. This encounter not only illustrates the nature of God’s grace but also invites self-reflection among the audience about their own relationship with sin and righteousness.

Dr. Bennett concludes by encouraging listeners to examine their hearts and consider how they respond to others’ faults, emphasizing that true righteousness is found not in self-justification but in recognizing one’s need for a Savior. The article serves as a reminder of the transformative power of grace and the importance of humility in our spiritual journeys.

Speakers: Dr. Chip Bennett

Understanding Our Stories and the Word of God

In Florida, when it rains, many people choose to stay home. However, those who come out on a rainy day are truly the chosen, wonderful people of God. Thank you for being here today, as your presence is appreciated.

I want to ask you a question that might make some of you chuckle. Have you ever done something you really wish you hadn’t? Maybe it was something wrong, and you hoped you wouldn’t get caught, but you did. This reflection might bring up past experiences, and I want to remind you that if you are a Christian, whatever you’ve done is forgiven. You are a new creation in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17). Don’t let the enemy get into your mind and distort that truth.

We all know that some of the things we regret later become stories we share with others. These stories help others get to know us, and our vulnerability in sharing them resonates deeply. Many of us tell our children about our past mistakes, explaining that we made wrong choices and hoping they will learn from our experiences. These stories carry significant power; they are how we connect with one another.

Stories are essential in our lives. They help us understand others and ourselves. That’s why millions of books are sold every year. People find themselves in the characters and narratives, which speaks to their own experiences. Movies, too, take us on journeys that resonate with our feelings and struggles.

When we approach the Bible, we find stories within its pages as well. This book contains narratives and poetry that may remind us of our own lives. It is not just another book on a library shelf; it is the very inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). James describes it as a mirror, revealing truths about ourselves that we may not want to confront (James 1:23-24). This book reads us, and I want you to understand that while I want to help you learn how to read it, my true desire is for the Word to speak to you and me.

This weekend, we will look at a story that I believe will accomplish this. I want to remind you that we are currently in a series called “Wonder,” which spans the entire month of February. A couple of weeks ago, we held the Revelation Project on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. We will continue this project next week, focusing on understanding the book of Revelation better. It is not a book of fear; it is a book of hope, revealing who Jesus is (Revelation 1:1-3).

If you attended the previous sessions, you learned that one way to approach Revelation is to read it alongside the Gospel of John, similar to how we read Luke and Acts. This method, known as a diptych in literary terms, allows us to see the connections and deeper meanings within the scriptures.

As we explore these themes, let us keep in mind the importance of stories, both in our lives and in the Word, as we seek to understand the messages they convey.

The Bride of Christ in the Gospel of John

In John 3, John the Baptist refers to Jesus as the bridegroom, indicating that He is searching for His bride. In the Gospel of John, we encounter women who symbolize the bride of Christ, though they are not the bride herself. The true bride of Christ is revealed in the book of Revelation. To fully understand these connections, one must examine both texts, as they are written chiastically, reflecting and mirroring each other.

Women in the Gospel of John

During our discussions on weekends, we focus on women in the Gospel of John. Last weekend, Dr. Gage spoke about the Samaritan woman, who exemplifies the bride of Christ. She represents someone in great need of transformation and forgiveness. Additionally, she embodies both Jew and Gentile, symbolizing God’s church. This weekend, we will explore the story of the woman caught in adultery. As we delve into these narratives, we will gain a clearer understanding of who the bride of Christ truly is.

We have titled this series “Wonder” based on Revelation 17, where we seek to answer two key questions: Who is Lady Babylon, and what is the great city? Understanding these concepts aids our comprehension of the events in Revelation. In Revelation 17:6, John describes his reaction upon seeing Lady Babylon: “I marveled greatly” (ESV). The Greek word “thomazo” conveys a sense of wonder, as if one is breathless and speechless. Recognizing who she is and what God is doing will evoke a similar sense of wonder in us.

The Story of the Woman Caught in Adultery

As we set up the story of the woman caught in adultery, it is important to note that if you have a newer translation of the Bible, you may see John 7:53 through 8:11 marked with brackets, footnotes, or italics, indicating that this passage is not found in the earliest manuscripts. This is indeed true. However, this does not mean we should dismiss it entirely. Many argue against its inclusion, but I believe it is essential for us to understand where we, as a church, stand on this matter.

First, scholarly consensus suggests that if we were to discover a letter, such as a hypothetical Third Corinthians written by Paul, it would not be considered the 67th book of Scripture unless it had historically benefited the church. Authentic Scripture has been recognized and utilized by Christians throughout history. The story of the woman caught in adultery has been part of Christian teaching for centuries, with many sermons preached on it, long before the original manuscripts were discovered. The fact that this text has ministered to countless people lends it authority.

Secondly, when reading John and Revelation together, the absence of this passage would disrupt the chiastic structure that connects them. As your pastor, I hold the view that this text is authentic and should be preached and taught. If I believed otherwise, I would not share it with you.

Context of the Passage

Now, let’s unpack the incredible story of the woman caught in adultery. In John 7, a feast is taking place, and the religious leaders are plotting to arrest Jesus. They are frustrated with His message and His claims, particularly when He says, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19, ESV). They interpret this only in relation to their physical temple, failing to recognize that Jesus is referring to Himself as the true temple. John emphasizes this in John 1:14, stating that Jesus “dwelt among us,” or as some translations say, He “tabernacled among us.” Jesus is the portable tabernacle, the intersection of heaven and earth.

The religious leaders’ hostility towards Jesus grows, leading them to seek His arrest. As we continue with the story, we will see how this tension unfolds.

The Encounter in the Temple

They went each to his own house. Contextually, this likely refers to the religious leaders looking to arrest Jesus. It’s interesting to note that they are going to their own homes, essentially scattering. At the end of the story, we will see them scattering again. The ways in which scripture is written are beautiful.

So, they went to their own houses, while Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. He usually stayed on the other side when he was in Jerusalem. As night fell, everyone went home, and the scene shifts to the next morning. Early in the morning, Jesus returned to the temple (John 8:1).

Normally, the statement that he came to the temple might not seem significant, but what follows helps us understand theologically where John is coming from and what Jesus’s ministry is about. We are told that all the people came to him. John specifically notes “all the people” to emphasize that they were drawn to him in the temple. People typically come to the temple, but they are coming to him because he embodies everything the temple represents—he is the sacrifice, the word of God, and the place of forgiveness (John 1:29).

As he sat down and taught them, imagine the atmosphere. Perhaps you have taught a group before, whether in a classroom or at work. You know the feeling when you start teaching and are making great points, only to be disrupted by someone walking in or a phone ringing. In this moment, Jesus is teaching, and the people are listening intently. Many are hanging on his every word because they have never heard anything like this before. Many are ill, in desperate need of help, and they are there to listen to him because his gracious words make them feel valuable and dignified (Luke 4:22).

In the midst of this teaching, the scribes and Pharisees arrive, bringing a distraction. John only uses the term “scribes” here in his gospel because a dispute is about to arise over how to read and interpret the law (John 8:3). They bring with them a woman who had been caught in the very act of adultery. The original language suggests she was caught in the act itself (John 8:4).

Imagine the scene. There had been a feast, and many people had ascended to Jerusalem. When crowds gather, people often reconnect with those they know, perhaps even strangers. We do not know this woman’s background or struggles, but we do know that at some point, she connected with someone, and they made a choice to return to a house together. Both knew they were wrong, but they went anyway.

We do not know if this happened at night or early in the morning, just before sunrise. What we do know is that the religious leaders were aware of the adultery taking place and burst through the doors. Picture the chaos as they enter during the act. Imagine the woman’s thoughts and feelings as she desperately tries to cover herself, grabbing for anything—a sheet, perhaps a shirt. They seize her, and regardless of whether it was nighttime or just before dawn, they bring her to the temple, leaving the man behind, as he is of no concern to them.

They walk into Jesus’s teaching moment, where people are gathered to hear and learn. They place the woman right in the midst of the crowd, interrupting the lesson with a shocking display (John 8:5).

The Adulterous Woman: A Lesson in Grace and Justice

In a critical moment, a woman is brought before Jesus, placed right in the midst of a gathering. The men surrounding her are aware of the situation; they know something significant is about to unfold. They confront Jesus, stating, “Teacher, we know that you teach the law.” This is clearly a setup. The woman has been caught in the very act of adultery, and they remind Jesus that Moses commanded such a woman be stoned (John 8:5). They ask, “What do you say?”

This scenario is deliberately orchestrated. Earlier manuscripts suggest that even some holy scribes were uncertain about how to handle this situation, as it presents a complex interplay of justice and mercy. The men know that if Jesus allows the stoning, it contradicts the grace and mercy he has shown to those who come to him seeking dignity and value. Conversely, if he dismisses the stoning, he would violate the law of Moses.

It is important to recognize the gravity of the situation. While we can sympathize with the woman and feel the injustice she faces, we must also understand that, according to the holy and just law of God, her actions are worthy of death. The man involved is notably absent, highlighting a societal double standard. Our society often softens the reality of God’s holiness. He is infinitely holy, and the cherubim and seraphim do not circle His throne proclaiming love or grace but rather cry out, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty” (Isaiah 6:3). One sin against such a holy God warrants infinite punishment, making the woman’s situation dire.

This moment poses a profound question: Will Jesus uphold the law or extend grace and mercy? It echoes the wisdom of Solomon, who faced a similar dilemma involving life and death (1 Kings 3:16-28). The men who brought the woman have exploited her, just as her paramour did. Jesus challenges the men, knowing that if any have looked at a woman with lust, they too are guilty of adultery. As men, we often forget the many thoughts and desires we have harbored, revealing that we too are adulterers (Matthew 5:28).

In this tense moment, the woman stands accused, worthy of death. The men want to test Jesus, seeking a reason to bring charges against him. As they press him with questions, Jesus bends down and begins to write on the ground. The content of his writing remains a mystery. Some interpretations suggest it holds significant meaning, but John does not specify.

The men persist with their questioning, demanding to know what Jesus will do. He stands and declares, “If any one of you is without sin, throw the first stone” (John 8:7). He acknowledges the woman’s guilt but reminds them of their own. He then bends down again, continuing to write on the ground. The woman, fully aware of the impending judgment, likely believes her time has come.

As Jesus speaks, the accusers begin to leave, one by one, starting with the older men who are more conscious of their sins (John 8:9). This scene is filled with tension and drama, as the crowd disperses. Finally, Jesus turns to the woman, who now stands alone with him. He asks, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” (John 8:10).

This moment parallels the themes found in Revelation, where the accuser of the brethren is cast out (Revelation 12:10). Just as the woman stands before Jesus, one day each of us will stand before him. In this encounter, Jesus offers her a profound lesson in grace: “Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:11).

This story encapsulates the balance of justice and mercy, illustrating the true nature of grace in the face of sin.

Understanding the Message of Mercy

The Law and Its Significance

Why is it there? If you’re wondering about the relationship between Jesus, the law of Moses, and the book of Revelation, consider that the law is holy and just. It parallels important truths we need to explore. What can we learn from this?

Self-Reflection: Who Do We Relate To?

To truly wonder, we must ask ourselves a tough question: Do we relate more to the religious leaders or to the woman caught in adultery?

If we are honest, many of us read the Bible and think, “Those religious people were wrong.” We might feel pity for the woman caught in adultery, but then we may also think, “Too bad for you, sister, because I am holy.” This situation reminds me of the parable of the tax collector and the Pharisee. In Luke 18:10-14, the Pharisee boasts about his goodness, saying, “Lord, I thank you that I am not like other men.” Meanwhile, the tax collector humbly pleads, “Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner.” Jesus tells us that only one of them went home justified.

We must ask ourselves who we relate to more. Are we allowing God to read our hearts? Do we think we are the righteous ones? When we read these stories, do we dismiss them by thinking, “It’s not me; it’s my spouse” or “It’s the other guy”? We need to reflect on whether we are the ones in need of salvation.

The Danger of Self-Deception

To truly wonder, we must recognize how easily we can deceive ourselves. Both the woman and the man were deceived by their actions. The religious leaders were also deceived. They approached Jesus with the intention to test him, feeling justified in their religious stance. They believed being right was what mattered most.

We should allow the Lord to search our hearts. Sometimes, we may feel justified in our anger towards others for their actions. I often hear Christians express disbelief at the sins of others. But I ask, where is that coming from in your heart?

It’s easy to think, “I know what’s right,” but we must be cautious. There is a tendency to believe we cannot be self-deceived, that everyone else is at fault. As someone who has lived almost 54 years, I can tell you that even believers can easily fall into self-deception.

The Basis of Our Relationship with Jesus

To truly wonder, we must understand the only basis on which we can stand before Jesus. The crowd asked, “What are you going to do, teacher?” The only one who could throw a stone that day was the one who would take the stone for us. The law of God is holy and just, and Jesus took the punishment for our sins (Romans 3:23-26).

There are many parallels in this story. The woman, almost naked, represents our vulnerability. Just as the religious leaders used her, they would later use Jesus. The crowd that demanded her punishment would also shout, “Crucify him” (Matthew 27:22). Yet, the one who could have condemned her extended mercy and grace (John 8:10-11).

The key point is that our relationship with God is not based on being better than others or on our own actions. It is based on being clothed in His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). This realization comes from understanding our need for a Savior. The good news is only good if we comprehend how dire the bad news is. Without His righteousness, we have no foundation to stand on.

The Challenge of Self-Examination

To truly wonder, we must confront a very challenging question with a rock in hand. When you leave here, you will receive a rock. I want you to hold onto that and think deeply about it. Take it to your workplace and remember its significance.

What will you do with that rock? Will you throw it? If you drop it, you stand self-condemned, standing next to the one who can forgive you (John 8:7). He can give you a new name, a new life, and clothe you in His righteousness. He can forgive your sins and transform you completely (Isaiah 61:10).

This reflection is essential as we navigate our faith and relationships with others.

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