FIFTH SUNDAY OF
LENT- YEAR-C
I Reading: Isaiah:
43:16-21: See, I am doing a new deed, and I will give my chosen people drink.
II Reading:
Philippians 3:8-14: Reproducing the pattern of his death, I have accepted the
loss of everything for Christ.
Gospel: John
8:1-11: If there is one of you who has not sinned, let him be the first to
throw a stone at her.
Man's Dark
Sinfulness and God's Great Forgiveness, Jn 8:1-11
In chapter 8 Christ reveals
himself to be the Light of life. human is seen gripped by sin. Human is pictured as
being critical, condemnatory, self-righteous, and adulterous-every single
person is sinful. In the woman, man is seen as adulterous and guilty living a
life of darkness, without purpose and meaning and significance. In the
religionists, man is seen as deceitful, critical, condemnatory, selfish,
self-righteous and loaded with guilt. Not a single religionist is seen to be
free from the darkness of serious sin. Jesus reveals himself to be the Light of
the World, the One who brings liberty, forgiveness, purpose, meaning and
significance to the life of man.
This even is a most striking
picture of “man’s dark sinfulness and God’s forgiveness.”
1. A picture of
Jesus’ life (v.1-2)
a. His life of
devotion
b. His life of
worship
c. His life of
mission and teaching
2. Man’s dark
guilt (v.3-6)
a. A woman (and
some man) were guilt of adultery
b. Some
witnesses who were offended were guilty of being vindictive and seeking revenge
c. The
religionists and the public were guilty
1) A self-righteous, critical spirit
2) A hypocritical attitude
d. Jesus
ignored them as long as possible
3. Man’s dark
nature: all men are sinful-guilty of serious sin (v.7-9)
a. The counter
question by Jesus: think-if without sin, then condemn
b. The result:
All men are convicted
1) The oldest accuser
2) The last accuser
4. Conclusion:
The great revelation-Jesus alone has the right to condemn and forgive (v.10-11)
a. He gives a
second chance
b. He wishes to
forgive
c. He
challenges
d. He warns
Thought: Only Jesus Christ can judge, for no
person is without sin.
·
Self-righteousness lacks forgiveness
·
Criticism lacks love
·
Judging lacks compassion
·
Censoring lacks understanding
·
Condemning lacks sympathy
·
Punishing lacks restoration
·
Savagery lacks curing
·
Destroying lacks the second chance.