Then the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery and had her stand in the center. (Jn 8:3)
4 “Teacher,” they said to him, “this woman was caught in the act of committing adultery. 5 In the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” (Jn 8:5–5)
They asked this to test him, so that they might have evidence to accuse him. (Jn 8:6a)
… Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her. (Jn 8:7b)
Then he stooped down again and wrote on the ground. (Jn 8:8)
When they heard this, they went away one by one, beginning with the older men. Jesus was left alone with the woman in the center. (Jn 8:9)
10 Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 “No one, Lord,” she answered. Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.” (Jn 8:10–11)
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son!’ (Jn 19:26)
Sin’s Aftermath: Our Paths
Path #1 – ___________ it
___________= I’m going to _______ my __________ of flesh!
17 Do not pay anyone back evil for evil. Focus on those things that everyone considers noble. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, maintain peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay,” says the Lord. (Ro 12:17–19)
_________________= a conscious _____________ to ___________ a bigger stone
[Jesus said] 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45a so that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven.” (Mt 5:43–45a)
Path #2 – _________ it
Get rid of every kind of bitterness, rage, anger, quarreling, and slander, along with every kind of malice. (Eph 4:31)
Instead, be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ has forgiven us. (Eph 4:32)
____________________ = the repeated _____________ to _________ onto that stone
Path #3 - __________ it
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. Instead, speak a blessing, because you were called for the purpose of inheriting a blessing. (1 Pe 3:9)
_______________________ = the daily ______________ to ___________ the stone alone
Against you [God], you only, have I sinned, and I have done this evil in your eyes. (Ps 51:4a)
Sin’s Aftermath: God’s Path
_______________ it and _____________ it
[the LORD says] I will forgive their guilt, and I will remember their sins no more. (Je 31:34b)
7 Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him. (Ro 4:7–8)
________________________= Jesus’ choice to ___________ no stone of ___________ uncovered
Points to Ponder
What is one thing that stood out to you from this week's message?
What “stones” have hurt you the most in your life? Looking back, which of the 3 paths did you choose to take? Which path are you taking today?
Read 1 Peter 2:21-25. List at least three things that make Jesus worthy of our worship.
Read Psalm 103. List at least 3 things about God’s unconditional love that will help you remember what forgiveness means for you and the path God chose in dealing with the stones we’ve thrown.
Challenge: Share this message with a loved one who is struggling with bitterness or vengeance. Make sure to fill that conversation with God’s unconditional love.
