(Read John 8 First)
Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” (v.11)
Notice how forgiveness, or lack of condemnation, comes before behavior. Jesus does all the work. He loves first, and we obey only in response to that great love. It is not “I obey God, therefore he loves me” but “God loves me, therefore I obey”. This woman was mere minutes removed from her sin, yet in this moment, Jesus was forever faithful.
“I am the light of the world” (v.12)
Our vision is never what we need. The world doesn’t make sense or seem to jive with how we wish it to be. The only hope for us in seeing things as they really are is to rely on the light. It is Christ who shows us the way, often through persistent chasing after him and his wisdom. Sin darkens our perspective, yet Christ illuminates and composes a life of holy clarity.
“I am” are two powerful words. Christ uses this statement 7 times in John, which are Old Testament references to divinity. This is the reason Christ was killed. If claiming to be light wasn’t outrageous enough, he then goes on to say “Before Abraham was, I am.” (v.58). He lived before the man who died before him. Make sense? Only if he is claiming his place in the trinity. If he then is truly who he claims to be, then he alone is big enough to have the final word, and the final word is GRACE. No longer are we bound by sin, fear, doubt, hopelessness, or abandonment.
We are loved, therefore we follow.
Pray: Lord, your love is crazy. It doesn’t make sense to us. How could you pass over our great debt of sin and arrogance? Yet, you have. Help us to see clearly by your light. You alone know the path to a rich and joy soaked life. Give us the courage to obey out of this ridiculous love you lavish upon us. May that love compel others to turn their eyes to you, the one true light. Amen
Matt simon blog 