The Pharisees understood that Jesus Christ was a moral teacher and they also perceived him as an expected Messiah, but they decided to live in denial. Therefore, the Pharisees set up traps for Jesus’ downfall. They tested him with many tricky questions, with the hope that he might stumble at his words. An instance of Pharisees’ scheme is reported,
“Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do you say?” This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”(John 8:3-10)
Lesson:
God is not interested in condemning anyone and sending him or her to hell. The Creator is interested in the repentance of sinners. He wants all people to repent from their sins, and accept his Son Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Anyone who believes in Jesus will escape the punishment of hell, but an unrepentant sinner will be rejected from heaven and be cast into hell fire. (Since Jesus is compassionate, he will not reject anyone who reserves his or her trust in him). The step of salvation is easy and it is free. However, salvation requires that a person personally confesses his or her faith in Jesus Christ.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus Christ, I confess that you are the Son of God who died for the sins of the world. You have died and resurrected to give me eternal life, therefore I confess you as my personal Lord and Savior. I offer you my entire life, and I will serve you throughout the days of my life. Please write my name in the book of life, and let me qualify to rejoice with you in heaven. For in the name of Jesus Christ I make my requests. Amen.
