Transformed by Truth: No Stones to Throw - Living in Grace and Forgiveness John 8:7
Introduction:
Today, we will delve into a powerful moment in the ministry of Jesus, captured in John 8:7: "They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, ‘All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!’" (NLT).
This statement by Jesus is profound, not only in the context of the story but in its broader implications for our lives. Our sermon today is titled "Transformed by Truth: No Stones to Throw."
1. The Context of Grace and Judgment
John 8:7: "They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, ‘All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!’"
This verse is part of the story of the woman caught in adultery. The Pharisees bring her to Jesus, trying to trap Him into saying something they could use against Him. Instead, Jesus turns the situation on its head by challenging them to consider their own sinfulness.
The Greek word for "sin" used here is hamartia, which means missing the mark or failing in duty, underscoring the universality of human imperfection.
Romans 3:23 (NLT): "For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard."
Paul’s words reinforce Jesus' statement by reminding us that all have sinned and thus are unworthy to judge others.
James 2:10 (NLT): "For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws."
This verse teaches that breaking one law makes us guilty of breaking the whole law, highlighting the impossibility of achieving righteousness through our own efforts.
Max Lucado once said, "God loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be just like Jesus." This points to God’s grace in accepting us as we are while calling us to transformation.
Imagine standing in front of a mirror that reflects not just our outer appearance but our inner flaws and mistakes. This is how God sees us, yet He loves us deeply and calls us to extend that same grace to others.
2. The Call to Self-Examination
John 8:7: "‘All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!’"
Jesus’ challenge to the accusers was not just about the woman’s sin but about their need to recognize their own sinfulness.
The word for "throw" (ballo) implies an act of force or judgment, suggesting that those who are sinless should be the ones to execute judgment.
Matthew 7:3-5 (NLT): "And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye."
Jesus teaches that self-examination must precede any judgment of others. We must deal with our own sins before addressing others'.
2 Corinthians 13:5 (NLT): "Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith."
Paul urges believers to continually test and examine their own faith and conduct, ensuring it aligns with Christ’s teachings.
Charles Spurgeon noted, "Beware of no man more than of yourself; we carry our worst enemies within us." This speaks to the importance of self-awareness in our spiritual journey.
Consider an athlete who reviews their performance footage to improve. Similarly, we must review our spiritual lives, acknowledging our flaws and seeking God’s help to overcome them.
3. Extending Grace and Forgiveness
John 8:7: "‘All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!’"
Jesus’ response to the accusers not only stops them from stoning the woman but also opens a path for her restoration. Jesus does not condone her sin but offers her a chance for a new life.
The term for "forgiveness" (aphesis) in the New Testament denotes a release from bondage or imprisonment, reflecting the liberating power of grace.
Ephesians 4:32 (NLT): "Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."
Paul instructs believers to forgive others as God has forgiven them, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of grace.
Colossians 3:13 (NLT): "Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others."
This verse calls for a forgiving attitude, rooted in the recognition of God’s forgiveness towards us.
Corrie ten Boom, a Holocaust survivor, said, "Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart." This illustrates that forgiveness is a decision, not merely an emotion.
Think of a prisoner set free from captivity. Forgiveness is the key that releases us from the prison of bitterness and resentment, allowing us to live in freedom and peace.
Application and Call to Action:
Let's apply what we have heard with some practical steps.
First, let's commit to daily self-examination.
Take a moment each day to reflect on your actions and attitudes. Are you harboring judgment or resentment? Bring these before God in prayer, asking for His forgiveness and guidance.
Second, let's actively seek opportunities to extend grace and forgiveness.
Perhaps there is someone in your life whom you need to forgive.
Remember, forgiveness is a process and sometimes a daily decision. Ask God for the strength to forgive, as He has forgiven you.
Last, let’s remember to love one another deeply.
As Jesus said in John 13:34-35 (NLT), "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."
Conclusion:
In conclusion, John 8:7 reveals profound truths about grace, self-examination, and forgiveness. Jesus’ challenge to the accusers and His subsequent actions toward the woman caught in adultery teach us to recognize our own sinfulness, to extend grace, and to forgive as we have been forgiven.
Call to Action:
As we leave today, let us remember to examine our own hearts, to extend grace to others, and to forgive those who have wronged us. Let us live out these truths in our daily lives, reflecting the love and mercy of Christ.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your grace and forgiveness. Help us to examine our own hearts and to extend the same grace and forgiveness to others. May we be transformed by Your truth and live lives that glorify You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
May you go forth this week, empowered by God’s grace and committed to extending that grace to others.
