Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Lent Day 13

John 7:53-7-11

When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”  Again, he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” 

REFLECTION

A group from the community brought a woman into a church service to present her situation (her sins) to Jesus. Their purpose was aimed at testing him, as well as drawing attention to her case.  In reply, Jesus bent down twice and wrote on the ground—a gesture unusual for Jewish men, who typically did not bow before women.

While this act was generally seen as showing weakness, it reflected compassion and mercy rather than judgment.

Reflection by Corrine

CONSIDER

Recognizing that God wrote the Ten Commandments twice (as described in Exodus), what message did Jesus write to turn the people's wrath?

Did Jesus intend His writing to remind individuals of their sins?

Have I misunderstood or misapplied my religious teachings or morals?

PRAYER

Lord, guide me with grace and help me support others without judgement.

Let me not become the moral police but a lighthouse for others to see your works in my life.  I know this will require ongoing teaching for my transformation and I believe that to overcome any and all my bad thinking, I must continually seek your word daily by reading and prayers.  Keep me anchored in you.

FAITH IN ACTION 

Religion can involve judgment, but imperfections are universal; Jesus provides mercy and connects us with God.

1. Be compassionate

2. Stand up for justice

3. Read the Bible

4. Pray for understanding daily

   
   

DAILY GRATITUDE

Take a moment to name one thing you are grateful for today.

BIBLE NOTE: John’s Gospel often shows who Jesus is through personal encounters.

🌿 Return to one of the Seven Spiritual Practices today.