Throughout the scriptures that capture the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, we read about several altercations regarding the judgement of individual sins. More specifically, related to the traditions of Jewish or Roman laws at the time, Jesus used several challenges as teachable moments for the people in the area. While some of the teachings are in parables and poetic descriptions for how we can also grow as a society, there are several challenges that Jesus chose to settle very directly.
5Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. Matthew 7:5 KJV
Clearly, people even in Jesus' time had issues with judging their neighbor for their actions, but it seems as though they had some trouble pointing out their own flaws. While it does seem easier to notice the problem areas of others, we tend to give ourselves a bit of grace. Challenging as it may seem, the extension of grace is another trait that Jesus shows so elegantly throughout His ministry. What we get to witness, along with those teaching points, are direct challenges of groups trying to carry out sentences that were acceptable consequences or just actions to crimes. While attempting to stone a woman to death, Jesus calmly teaches others compassion and empathy.
Though Jesus and the accused woman are surrounded by a mob of people seeking revenge-justice, a calm Jesus starts up his ministry again, specific to the crowd.
7So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. 8And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. John 8:7-9 KJV
After forgiving her sins, Jesus dismisses her, requesting only that she vow to sin no more. We get to read that she is granted mercy and grace from Jesus.
Time-and-time-again we see a teachable interaction where Jesus challenges the systems in place, hoping to foster a change in the known norm and practices of faith. While all of these challenges are taking place, each interaction with Jesus cultivates inspiration within the people, but also allowing for growth as a group of people together. Not just the healing of the sick, vision granted to the blind, nor the crippled walking miracles alone, but even the clear instruction of how to obtain that mercy and grace through Jesus. Earlier in the text, when a high priest finally gets a moment with Jesus, he confirms that Jesus is the Messiah.
Even with this confirmation, the high priest has his own question requiring clarification. After trying to teach him of repentance, we find Jesus describing what we need to do to get to the heaven.
4Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. John 3:4-6 KJV
Just as Jesus tries to help Nicodemus understand, it is not just about washing away your sins, but also about the change that must take place within a person. Though we are cleansed through our promise from Christ when faithful, it still takes a daily practice of putting God first to embody that ideology. Placing God first in our lives is one way to be reborn of the spirit each day, living as God has shown us to. A daily challenge to sacrifice our flesh, just as Jesus did on the cross. It is not an easy task, nor is it one that we as a people do well at.
This sacrifice from Jesus allows us to come boldly to the throne of God, asking for our ability to live out what God has willed for us, but also helping those around us as we try to get better. Though the action is needed, the faith is what holds the commitment together.
Just as our challenges are only limited by what we can bear, our blessings blanket those challenges once we are through them as testimonies to those that support us through those trials. Though it might not feel like it while I am in a moment of growth, I know that God is using moments like these to teach me something. Beyond a good teaching point, it is also important to understand that the lesson may not even be mine to learn, but I can be a tool used as a way for someone else to learn through it.
Our testimonies, being ours to experience, do not limit our ability to allow others to learn from them - share away!
13And it shall turn to you for a testimony. 14Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: 15for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. Luke 21:13-15
My prayer that I hope you join me in this week:
Heavenly Father, I call out to You in this darkness, knowing that You'll find me. Hear my words that are built onto the foundation of Your Word. Allow me to keep the hope that is built from Your word and Your promises, Lord. Please share with me the faith and joy that comes from only Your source of goodness. God, please allow for a revival of our spirits! Show us our cup overflowing to those around us, encouraging a rekindling of our thirst for Your word. Share with us the love that is shown throughout Your teachings and allow us to mirror that towards all those around us. In Jesus' name we pray, honoring the covenant of His sacrifice and allowing us Grace and Mercy. Amen!
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