Forgiveness

John 1:1–11 KJV 1900

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

John 8:1–11 KJV 1900

1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. 2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. 3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, 4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? 6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. 7 So 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. 8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9 And 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. 10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

F. B. Myer: “It is a terrible things for sinners to fall into the hands of his fellow sinners”. - late 1800’s

Read in different versions of bible.

F. B. Myer: “It is a terrible things for sinners to fall into the hands of his fellow sinners”. - late 1800’s

We have all heard stories of terrible injustices done to people who take it upon themselves to pass judgement on others...

We see it in politics all the time.

People being tried in the court of public opinion because who idealology or philosophy or even something so simple as prejudice…

Mob justice is a horrible thing.

It is said that each of the major museums of the world has some depiction our text.

Statement in our text that is misunderstood:

7 So 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.

Society uses it to excuse sin.

Jesus’ message her was not “don’t be judgmental” it was “BE FORGIVING!”

Unforgiveness often is revealed in judgement!

Things to look for in our study:

Who was caught: The Woman

Trap

The Challenge

The Pardon

********************

1. One person will first read the scripture selection in the King James Version.

2. Next, another person will read the same passages in a modern language or amplified version for more clarity such as the New Living Translation (NLT), Message Bible (MSG), New English Translation (NET), Amplified Bible (AMP), etc.

Retell story

Retell

One person will begin retelling the scripture passage in their own words (a new person to start each week is great!) Then…As a group, work together to fill in gaps and build the story. This will help us internalize and own it. Be sure everyone participates.

Discuss

Together, share around the group how the topic and scripture setting applies to your life personally. Here are somethoughts to consider for discussion… don’t let the discussion stop here, though… what questions can you ask that will help uncover God’s message?

The Woman – verse 3-6

The man who invited Jesus was described as a Pharisee. What do we know about Pharisees that would help us understand some details about him?What was the purpose of the invitation?Jesus was growing in popularity among the people through his teachings and miracles, and the Pharisees were growing enemies of Jesus. What are some possible intentions he may have had by inviting Jesus?Describe the surroundings and environment of the location for the invitation.What would the invited guests be doing, and how were they situated?Who did the Pharisee want to be at the center of attention here?

The Dilemma – verses 7-8

Describe the woman who interrupted the dinner. Where did she live? Would she be known by the guests? What was her reputation? Do we know what her sin was? Was she still living in sin at this time?How did the woman learn about the dinner?Was her action spontaneous, or planned?What was her emotional condition when she entered the house?What all did she bring with her?In what way did she approach Jesus, and what might the significance of this be?What four things did she do to Jesus’ feet, and why?Were her actions appropriate for such an occasion?What reaction might such a scene have caused with the guests at the dinner?Who was the center of attention now?What happens to pride when it loses it’s spotlight?

The Accusation – verse 39

What did the Pharisee who invited Jesus do upon seeing this thing done by the woman?What judgments did he make about Jesus? Was the Pharisee right or wrong about these judgments?What judgment did he make about the woman? Was he right or wrong about her?In what way does pride cause us to judge others?Who else knew what the Pharisee was saying to himself?

The Confrontation – verses 40-47

Read in modern translation

What is significant about the fact that Jesus called Simon by name?Jesus told a parable about two debtors owing money and couldn’t pay. What two people in that room was he comparing them to? Which one was which?Describe the heart of the creditor in Jesus’ story. Who was the creditor being compared to?While both debtors owed money, the penalty was the same. Why would Jesus ask him which would love him most?Did Simon know Jesus was comparing him to the woman?To Jesus, were they both debtors? What would this realization do to Simon’s pride?What was Simon’s answer to Jesus? Was he confident in his answer?Was he right in his answer?Was Simon a hospitable host to Jesus? Why or why not?What things did Simon neglect that the woman did to Jesus?Because of the woman’s actions, what did Jesus tell Simon he would do for her?Did he offer the same for Simon? Why or why not?Did Simon have love for Jesus? Explain.

The Resolution – verses 48-49

After Jesus told Simon what he would do for the woman, what did he say to her?Were her sins already forgiven before he spoke this to her? (vs. 47)Why was it important for Jesus to speak these words to her?What was the reaction of the other guests at Jesus’ declaration to the woman?What did Jesus say brought about the woman’s saving?

Can you see yourself in this story? Which character are you, or have you been?In what ways can you allow Jesus to remove pride from your life? In what ways can you be proactive about doing so?

One person will first read the scripture selection in the King James Version.Next, another person will read the same passages in a modern language or amplified version for more clarity such as the New Living Translation (NLT), Message Bible (MSG), New English Translation (NET), Amplified Bible (AMP), etc. We recommend using the YouVersion Bible app.

Mission

In light of what we now know about this passage, what is God calling you to do this week? As a group, take just a couple of minutes to silently pray to God asking, “Lord, what do you want me to do this week because of what I’ve seen today?”Briefly write this down as a personal mission statement for the week,

“Lord, this week, I will __________________________.”

Some possible suggestions:

Lord, this week I will make an opportunity to humble myself by preferring someone else.Lord, this week I will humble myself more to you in worship.Lord, this week I will share a social media testimony about how you’ve forgiven me.Even better, write your own!

One person will first read the scripture selection in the King James Version.Next, another person will read the same passages in a modern language or amplified version for more clarity such as the New Living Translation (NLT), Message Bible (MSG), New English Translation (NET), Amplified Bible (AMP), etc.

One person will begin retelling the scripture passage in their own words (a new person to start each week is great!) Then…As a group, work together to fill in gaps and build the story. This will help us internalize and own it. Be sure everyone participates.

Retell

One person will begin retelling the scripture passage in their own words (a new person to start each week is great!) Then…As a group, work together to fill in gaps and build the story. This will help us internalize and own it. Be sure everyone participates.

Discuss

Together, share around the group how the topic and scripture setting applies to your life personally. Here are somethoughts to consider for discussion… don’t let the discussion stop here, though… what questions can you ask that will help uncover God’s message?

The Woman – verses 1-3

The Stage – verse 36

The Woman – verses 1-3

The man who invited Jesus was described as a Pharisee. What do we know about Pharisees that would help us understand some details about him?What was the purpose of the invitation?Jesus was growing in popularity among the people through his teachings and miracles, and the Pharisees were growing enemies of Jesus. What are some possible intentions he may have had by inviting Jesus?Describe the surroundings and environment of the location for the invitation.What would the invited guests be doing, and how were they situated?Who did the Pharisee want to be at the center of attention here?

Where did Jesus have his encounter with the woman and the crowd? What could be significant about where it happened?

Church, place of freedom, place of forgiveness

Who all was gathered in that place, and what were the various reasons they were there?

Church goers, scribes, pharisees, sinner

Who were the people that interrupted Jesus while he was teaching?

Scribes and pharisees always have a flaw to point out!

The crowd that was gathered to hear Jesus teach would have known these men. What reputation might they have had with the people to this point?

Often what we see on the outside doesn’t reflect what’s in a person’s heart. How would you describe the intentions and character of these men on this day?

From this passage, we don’t know her marital status, her age, her previous relationship to any of these accusers, or her family background. What do we know about the woman?

In order for this Jewish capital offense to be judged, the law demanded an accusation to be a literal eyewitness testimony. It wouldn’t be enough to say, “I saw them going in the bedroom and then I saw them leave,” because that would be hearsay. How did they “happen” to catch her “in the act of adultery”?

Adultery requires two people, and both would be guilty. Where is the man? Why might we not read about him in this event?

These men were the religious leaders and could have immediately punished the woman with death without exposing her publicly or bringing her to Jesus. What might have been their motive in doing this?

The Dilemma – verses 37-38

The Trap – verses 4-6

Describe the woman who interrupted the dinner. Where did she live? Would she be known by the guests? What was her reputation? Do we know what her sin was? Was she still living in sin at this time?How did the woman learn about the dinner?Was her action spontaneous, or planned?What was her emotional condition when she entered the house?What all did she bring with her?In what way did she approach Jesus, and what might the significance of this be?What four things did she do to Jesus’ feet, and why?Were her actions appropriate for such an occasion?What reaction might such a scene have caused with the guests at the dinner?Who was the center of attention now?What happens to pride when it loses it’s spotlight?

According to and , both parties of adultery were to be put to death. But according to Roman law the Jews could not execute anyone. This is why Pilate had to agree to Jesus’ crucifixion. What would happen to Jesus if he had consented to her death?

If he had NOT consented to her death, what would they say of his handling of the Law?

The Accusation – verse 39

Have you ever been in a dilemma that it seemed there was no way out, or no good answer? Explain.

Does it appear that these men care about this woman? Why or why not?

They professed respect for the law, claimed to protect public morality, and said they wanted Jesus’ “advice”. Was any of this true? Explain.

What other motive did they have?

The Challenge – verses 6-9

What did the Pharisee who invited Jesus do upon seeing this thing done by the woman?What judgments did he make about Jesus? Was the Pharisee right or wrong about these judgments?What judgment did he make about the woman? Was he right or wrong about her?In what way does pride cause us to judge others?Who else knew what the Pharisee was saying to himself?

What might Jesus have written when he stooped down twice to write with his finger?

Regardless of what he wrote, what he said was most important. What was the challenge he posed to the men?

The Confrontation – verses 40-47

Who among humanity is truly sinless?

Does this statement mean that no one anywhere, or ever, could pass judgment unless they were sinless? Why or why not?

In , Jesus told his followers to “judge with righteous judgment”. Does this contradict, or inform, his statement here?

gives protection for the rights of the accused. It states that there must be at least two eyewitnesses, and that they must give a true report. If they’re found to be false witnesses, they would be given the penalty of the accused. This was to prevent people using the law for their own crooked purposes. With this information, why might Jesus have posed the challenge to the men the way he did?

Because the forgiveness was not just for the woman but for the men as well!

Restate the phrase, “Let he that is without sin cast the first stone” using modern, relevant terms.

If the men were testifying against this woman maliciously or deceitfully, what would their punishment have been?

Was Jesus forbidding judgment against adulterers?

The men wanted to judge the woman, but Jesus turned the tables on them. What might Jesus have wanted to accomplish by this?

Get them to forgive, repent

What sins could we attribute to these men, by what we read in this story?

After considering Jesus’ challenge, what did the men do? Why?

Sad to see those who know to they need to repent, forgive but don’t!

The Pardon – verses 10-11

What is significant about the fact that Jesus called Simon by name?Jesus told a parable about two debtors owing money and couldn’t pay. What two people in that room was he comparing them to? Which one was which?Describe the heart of the creditor in Jesus’ story. Who was the creditor being compared to?While both debtors owed money, the penalty was the same. Why would Jesus ask him which would love him most?Did Simon know Jesus was comparing him to the woman?To Jesus, were they both debtors? What would this realization do to Simon’s pride?What was Simon’s answer to Jesus? Was he confident in his answer?Was he right in his answer?Was Simon a hospitable host to Jesus? Why or why not?What things did Simon neglect that the woman did to Jesus?Because of the woman’s actions, what did Jesus tell Simon he would do for her?Did he offer the same for Simon? Why or why not?Did Simon have love for Jesus? Explain.

Have you ever found yourself guilty and needing pardon?

Why did Jesus stand up and face the woman? What does this say about the attitude he treated her with?

How do you think she felt about herself and her sin at this moment?

The Resolution – verses 48-49

What was the question he asked her, and what is the significance of it?

Was Jesus qualified to condemn this woman? Why, or why not?

(clarifying questions: Was he an eyewitness? Were there the required two witnesses? Did he supersede the Law?)

What was her response to his question, and what self-realization would she have had by saying this?

Why didn’t she run away when her accusers left?

When Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you,” what was he extending to her?

What conditions would make that same statement applicable to you or anyone else?

Did the man, the one she committed adultery with, get away with his sin?

Why, or why not? Are we only guilty of sin when we’re caught, or when we sin? Sometimes we feel we’ll be better off if our sin isn’t found out. But she was forgiven and he wasn’t… who was the more fortunate one of the two?

What challenge did Jesus give to the woman?

Think of what Jesus has done for you… would you be willing to share a sin or struggle with your group that you committed and he forgave you? No pressure, but it could be beneficial to you and others.

Mission

After Jesus told Simon what he would do for the woman, what did he say to her?Were her sins already forgiven before he spoke this to her? (vs. 47)Why was it important for Jesus to speak these words to her?What was the reaction of the other guests at Jesus’ declaration to the woman?What did Jesus say brought about the woman’s saving?

In light of what we now know about this passage, what is God calling you to do this week? As a group, take just a couple of minutes to silently pray to God asking, “Lord, what do you want me to do this week because of what I’ve seen today?” Briefly write this down as a personal mission statement for the week,

Can you see yourself in this story? Which character are you, or have you been?In what ways can you allow Jesus to remove pride from your life? In what ways can you be proactive about doing so?

“Lord, this week, I will __________________________.”

Some possible suggestions:

In light of what we now know about this passage, what is God calling you to do this week? As a group, take just a couple of minutes to silently pray to God asking, “Lord, what do you want me to do this week because of what I’ve seen today?” Briefly write this down as a personal mission statement for the week,

Lord, this week I will release and forgive someone of an offense against me.

Lord, this week I will spend time in prayer examining my heart and inviting you to change me.

Some possible suggestions:

Lord, this week I will tell someone about your forgiveness in my life.

Lord, this week I will make an opportunity to humble myself by preferring someone else.Lord, this week I will humble myself more to you in worship.Lord, this week I will share a social media testimony about how you’ve forgiven me.Even better, write your own!

Even better, write your own!

Conclusion: Forgive!