Our walk through the New Testament in a year is an ambitious goal, so some readings will require more reflection than others. This passage is one of those examples. Each section has so much value, deserving of contemplation. What do we see?
Jesus reveals more about his character and who he is. Even from the very first story. The woman caught in adultery was treated with compassion and love, even though she had broken a sin that, by the law, carried a death sentence by stoning. But this sin involves two people, and only the woman was brought before Jesus. Why didn’t they bring the man, too?
Jesus’ response was brilliant. There was not a sinless person present but him, and he knew it. There was no way anybody would have had the nerve to throw a stone after what Jesus said. Jesus had saved that woman, that sinner’s life. The compassion continued through Jesus’ parting words, which were, “Go and sin no more.” Jesus did not want her to stay stuck in her sinfulness. Jesus would say the same thing to us, encouraging us to avoid sin.
Those lost in sin thrive in the darkness. Jesus continues to reveal how he is the answer. We don’t have to live in darkness when we trust and follow the Light of the World, Jesus. Those walking in the light, according to Jesus, are headed toward life. Jesus means he is the way to eternal life; he’s just saying it differently this time.
I don’t know about you, but I feel like darkness is just closing in around me. Everywhere you look, you can find some behavior on display that displeases God. When we expose that darkness with the light of Christ, the evil one trembles. Remember Jesus’ compassion when encountering this darkness.
Jesus referred to his Father a lot. But wasn’t the question of the day, “Who is Jesus’ father?” The people seemed clueless that Jesus was referring to the God of Abraham, who had rescued their ancestors from Egypt and carried them through the wilderness.
It really clicked for me how closely Jesus and God were communicating. The man Jesus was being fed his agenda from God, who was right there with him. Jesus didn’t act or judge without being led by God. They were so in tune with each other. We can seek that kind of connection with the Father because we are getting to know the Son.
Jesus said he didn’t belong to this world, he is from “above.” Have you ever felt homesick for heaven? I love the Phil Wickham song with that title. As followers of Jesus, we look forward to the day we can follow Him home to paradise. There we can thank him face to face for the grace he’s given (as Phil’s lyrics say).
Jesus was speaking of who he was and where he was going. He even told the people how it would all play out. He said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I am he.” Since Jesus’ time had not yet come, this statement would have been troublesome to hear. Jesus continues to hide his majesty in plain sight.
Let’s pray. Father, thank you for sending Jesus and being by his side every moment. Thank you that I can get to know you from Jesus’ own description. I would like to think I would have recognized Jesus as Messiah back in the day. Help me to control my sinful tendencies and live in your light. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
