Bible Pathways - November 3, 2005

November 3

In Today's Reading:

Feeding 5,000; Jesus, the Bread of Life; Feast of Tabernacles; Jesus forgives the adulteress; Jesus, the Light of the World

Jesus entered into the Temple (Court), and all the people came unto Him; and He sat down, and taught them (John 8:2). Suddenly, Jesus was rudely interrupted by the scribes and Pharisees who brought unto Him a woman. . . . They say unto Him, Master (Teacher), this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the Law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest Thou? (8:3-5). They brought this woman to Jesus, not because they were shocked at her conduct or grieved that the Law of God had been broken, but that they might have (a reason) to accuse Him (8:6). Had He said: Let her go, they could accuse Him of compromising with sin and breaking the Mosaic Law. If He said: Stone her, He would break Roman law and be accountable to Rome.

Jesus brought conviction to each one of the woman's accusers when He said: He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her (8:7). And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest . . . and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst (8:9). Then Jesus said to her: Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more (8:10-11). Jesus knew that she had a repentant heart. But He did not take her sin lightly, rather he commanded her to sin no more. Following this interruption by these hypocritical, self-righteous religious leaders, Jesus resumed His teaching, saying: I am the Light of the World: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the Light of life (8:12).

It is possible to follow the Light of the World for the wrong motives. During a time when some people face a prison sentence, terminal illness, or great financial loss they may appear to sincerely accept Jesus as Savior and Lord. However, let health return or let there be a change of circumstances for the better, and their true motives become evident. Then they will be seen as mere professors of faith as they revert to their self-centered ways. Such people are only temporarily "reformed" and have not been truly transformed by the renewing of (their) mind (Romans 12:2). Regardless of circumstance, all those who are truly born again will remain faithful to Jesus. Whoso keepeth His Word, in him verily (truly) is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him (I John 2:5).

Word Studies:

6:24 took shipping = got into boats.

Cross References:

For John 6:31: See Exodus 16:4; Psalm 78:24. John 6:45: See Isaiah 54:13.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored in thanksgiving for HIS kindness · Staff: Diana Hash · Government Official: Rep. Lynn Woolsey (CA) · Country: Thailand (60 million) in Southeast Asia · Major languages: Thai and English · Limited freedom of Christian ministry; Buddhism is the state religion · 92% Buddhist; 4% Muslim; 2% Chinese folk-religionist; 1% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: Trust the Lord; He will never forsake you (Psalm 9:10).

Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 3:15