STATED PURPOSE OF CHRIST: RESTORATION
John 8:1-11
1. The stated purpose of the coming of Christ is stated eloquently: it is restoration not condemnation. Joh 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
2. Examining the setting of this scene:
a. The night before there had been a meeting of the Sanhedrin and they were divided over Him. 7:45-53
b. He is teaching very early in the temple when these scribes and Pharisees rudely stormed into His teaching time.
c. That their intention was to indict and encite the people against Him is evident by their bringing only the woman, afterall, they were caught together
d. All attention is now upon His next move:
1) They believed they could show Him as against Moses’ Law if didn’t agree with their sentence of death.
2) If He did agree, then they believed that His popularity would dramatically decrease among the people.
3. But, the law of God and the grace of God are never in conflict. The way Jesus Christ handled this situation is a lesson for us all. This is a commentary on Galatians 6:1
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
4. What Jesus shows us is that those interested in condemnation rather than restoration will be dealt with first.
a. These self righteous Pharisees had to see they were no different.
b. He humbled Himself before them and began writing on the ground.
c. What did He write?
1) He knew what was in the heart of man.
Joh 2:25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
2) Jeremiah gives us clue as what might have taken place.
Jer 17:13 O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters.
Did He write their name with an accompanying name with whom they had been guilty of the same or similar sin?
d. Then, when He spoke, He stood revealing His authority.
5. Without accusers, the law of the death penalty could not be imposed.
Nu 35:30 Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die.
6. When she was asked if any had condemned her, we find her answer to be very full, though but 3 words: No man, Lord.
a. No doubt, in marvel over the exit of her accusers, she calls Him LORD.
b. When we are brought face to face with our sin and its condemnation, and see God take the Accuser out of the court room by His own means, we cry out to our Lord.
7. The intent of salvation is both positional and experiencial. Go, and sin no more is the command.
8. Jesus always handled people in meekness. 2Ti 2:24-26 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
9. Whether it is seeking to win the lost or to restore a brother to fellowship with God and man, meekness is an absolute must.
10. What is meekness?
I. IT IS THE WAY OF THE SPIRIT’S LEADING.
Ga 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
A. Note: We are only to go for the purpose of restoration, not retaliation.
B. We are to go when they are overtaken:
1. Not one offence.
2. Not something they have confessed and seeking God’s help.
3. Only when they can’t seem to overcome.
C. When we are led of the Spirit, then we will do so in holiness without hostility and hatred erupting.
II. IT IS THE WAY OF GENTLENESS.
2Co 10:1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
A. As Jesus put Himself in the position of humility, it spoke to the Pharisees and the adulteress.
B. Confrontational soul winning, in your face testimony is not God’s qualification for leaders. Tit 3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
C. Our reward for doing it His way. Ps 37:11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
