Sinners in hands of a compassionate God part 3

Thus far, having examined John 8:1-11, we have seen 2 of the 3 laws of dealing with sin and sinners.  Compassion and consideration are benchmark, fundamental necessities if to ever we are deal with sin and sinners as Christ exemplified in this blessed text.  Today we will be humbled by the third and most beautiful of these 3 laws.

Here’s a little snack: Having answered finally the entangling question of the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus raises His head, along with the prostitute, to find that the dismayed accusers left nothing behind but the imprint of their sandals and the stones that were meant to end the life of this prostitute.

What Jesus says next is a very powerful thing.  He looks the harlot in the eyes and asks, “Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?”  Take a moment to read that again. What is it that Jesus is asking?  He is, in fact, asking the woman to evaluate the situation.  What she thought would happen, did not happen. 

Now, her position (on the ground) was one of self-preservation.  She was positioned in such a way to protect herself from the deathblows of these specifically chosen stones.  The bruises on her arms and neck were reminiscent of a woman caught in sin and dragged to her final demise.  The fear she felt was typical of someone sentenced to death and awaiting the inevitable.  However, the stones on the ground and the disappearing sandals told her different. 

May I remind you today, that what you thought would happen doesn’t have to happen?  What you assumed was the inevitable may not be so.  While nothing about this woman’s situation resembled hope and promise, they look on Jesus’ face told her different.  The words from His mouth spoke of power and potential.  That’s why Jesus asked the question, “Hath no man condemned thee?”  He was making her aware of the reality of her situation- in the presence of Jesus there is joy and freedom.  But most importantly, there is restoration. 

How are we to deal with sin and sinners? We are to deal with sin and sinners with the expectation of restoration.  Our goal is never condemnation, but rather restoration.  When we express compassion- on the heels of consideration, we are fit for restoration.  May look to restore someone today as we follow Christ’s example of how to deal with sin and sinners.

Pastor Mike Carmody