TUESDAY

John 8:1-11

Fear and a sense of hopelessness are often traveling companions for those who struggle. Probably no one understood this more than the woman who found herself in the midst of a story that she probably wished she could unwrite. We are told little about her, but we cannot help but imagine the turmoil—and perhaps even a bit of a sense of resignation—she must have been experiencing as she was dragged into the presence of Jesus by those who clearly did not have her best interests in mind. We can only imagine what her expectations and what her view of God’s disposition toward her may have been. As you take a few moments to read and reflect on her story in today’s passage, think about the following:

• What picture of God seemed to dominate the views of the various groups of people in the story (the woman, her accusers, the religious officials present, the crowd that was watching, or even the disciples)?

• In what ways does Jesus’ response to those who brought accusations present a contrasting picture of God to the one they seemed to have?

• In what ways does Jesus’ response to the woman present a contrasting picture of God to the one she may have had?

• What do you sense was on Jesus’ heart for all of the various groups represented there?

• How do you think Jesus would have wanted the woman to respond to the situation when she found herself in the presence of Jesus? What would Jesus have wanted her to feel?

• What surfaces for you as you reflect on what happens in this story, and what it tells us of what it can be like to find ourselves in the presence of Jesus?

Take a few moments to share your reflections with God in prayer.