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. Man is seen gripped by sin. Man is pictured as being critical, condemnatory, self-righteous, and adulterous-every single person is sinful. In the woman, the 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 a second chance.

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