Introduction : A woman who was caught in the act of adultery (Jn 8:1-11).
1. Legalism and hypocrisy 1) A man and a woman committed adultery together, but why was only the woman brought? (Jn 8:3 ) 2) Jesus´ judgment against the legalists such as Pharisees, Sadducees, and the teachers of the law for their hypocrisy. : Two things that Jesus wrote on the ground with His finger - one on the commandments and the other on their hidden sins
2. Do not judge others 1) If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her. - People were to throw a stone at those who had violated seven of the Ten Commandments. (Dt 17:7) (1) They were proud of themselves regarding the first four commandments. (2) However, they were shameful regarding the next three commandments. - As they reflected on the law, they all ran away. (1Jn 8:9) 2) Those that pass judgment on others will be judged, too (Ro 2:1-3, Mt 7:2, Lk 6:37)
3. Does Jesus disrespect the law? 1) I desire mercy, not sacrifice. (Lev 1:4, 17:11, Heb 9:22) (1) Sacrifice symbolizes condemnation and judgment - Animals are condemned and judged to death in place of man. (2) Mercy symbolizes forgiveness and love. (Ex 33:19, Mt 9:13, Jn 13:34) 2) The reason why the Lord didn´t condemn and judge. (1) He has become a sacrifice for our sake. (Mt 26:28, Jn 2:2) (2) Through the Cross, He accomplished the condemnation and judgment of the law and destroyed them. (Gal 4:4-5, Ro 8:1-2) 3) The variation of the use of the law - The redemption on the Cross has made the requirements of the law fulfilled. Condemnation and judgment have been finished. (Col 2:14-15, Mt 5:17) Now the law is the supervision of repentance and faith. (Gal 3:23-24) 4) The substance of a new law (1) Neither do I condemn you - Mercy and forgiveness (Jn 3:17, 8:36) (2) Go now and leave your life of sin - Repent and live a faithful life. (1Jn 1:9, Eph 4:32, Mic 6:8)
Conclusion : Today our churches are stoned by the condemnation and judgment of legalists. Now it´s time to repent and pay attention to Jesus´ teaching, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice."
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