Five-Mnute Study: The Woman Caught In Adultrey

GENTLENESS vs. harshness
Showing consideration and personal concern for others.

BIBLICAL EXAMPLE - THE WOMAN CAUGHT IN ADULTERY John 8:3-11

In the process of trying to discredit the ministry of Jesus, the Pharisees brought to him a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They expected Jesus to follow the Old Testament Law and sentence her to death (Leviticus 20:10). They were trying to see if Jesus would follow the Mosaic Law or if he would back down, having to look the woman in the face.

It appeared to them that Jesus was ignoring them as he squatted down and wrote in the dirt. Being irritated at being ignored, they repeatedly asked him what should be done. They were hoping to hear a verdict of chastisement for this woman and kill her.

Suddenly, Jesus stood up and told them, in effect, that the innocent among them should cast the first rock at her and he immediately squatted down again: "…Jesus said to them “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7) Slowly, the oldest among the Pharisees quietly walked away until all of the accusers where gone.

Jesus then gently told the woman to change the lifestyle that she had fallen into and begin to do those things that please God: "…Jesus declared, “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:11 NIV)

"…Mercy triumphs over judgement! " (James 2:13 NIV)

Jesus was confronted with the challenge of showing GENTLENESS or bringing harsh judgement. Obviously, he chose gentle mercy over stoning and ending the woman’s life. Why didn’t Jesus just follow the Law and be done with the situation?

Jesus showed the character qualities of the Godhead and exhibited the heart of God in dealing with the situation. God is much more interested in having us live for Him than he is having us die in our sins.

Jesus brought the triumph of gentle mercy to the woman rather than the harsh punishment of judgment.

GENTLENESS IN OUR LIVES -

Should we not follow the example of Jesus in our dealing with family members and acquaintances? It would have been quicker and easier to just condemn the woman and get on with some miracles. But, would that have helped produce a better relationship between the woman and God? When you deal with your children, spouse, or other family members, is your intent to help them develop a better relationship with God, through your gentleness, or is your intent to show them who is boss.

True love is putting the needs and desires of other before our own. Jesus exhibited true love in this and every situation.

Here are five “I will” principles whose practice will help us incorporate the character quality of gentleness into our lives (write these on a poster, board or overhead transparency).

GENTLENESS IN MY LIFE THIS WEEK -

Closing #1: Lets dialog about it with one another.

Shift the group into small discussion groups of 3-4.
Encourage groups to list the hindrances in their own lives to practicing
gentleness in their families and with acquaintances.
Ask groups to share their feelings with the whole group.

Closing #2: Let’s close in silent prayer, ask God:

To forgive you for things in your life that cause you to focus on yourself instead of the needs that are around you.
To show you how to practice gentleness in your life.
To make you aware of opportunities to grow in this character quality.