Front Row Seat

John 8:3-11

Have you ever had the privilege of sitting in the front row at a concert or sporting event? These are expensive seats because you are close to the action. The musicians or players are an arm’s length from you, and the thrill of the event is electrifying. You watch the pianist’s hands glide across the keys. You hear the coach call out defensive plays. This is an opportunity to be up-close! 

A friend recently suggested I read the four gospels and examine Jesus closely. She told me to note his words, actions, and habits. This time spent in the Gospels stirred my heart’s desire to grow closer to Jesus. I want to be right beside Him, seated in the front row. 

Early one morning, Jesus was teaching at the temple, and people gathered around Him to listen. Suddenly, the scribes and Pharisees appear with a woman who had been caught in adultery. They pushed this woman to the front of the audience, filled with shame and disgrace, she stood before Jesus. What’s next?

The beauty of Jesus’s actions and words demonstrated His heart of compassion, care, and love for people. Jesus crouched and began to write in the dirt. All eyes shifted from the disgraced woman to Jesus’ actions. 

There is silence in the crowd. What’s He writing? Jesus drew their gawking eyes away from the woman and toward his finger, moving in the dirt. Do you see his tenderness? 

Then, He stood and said, “Let him who is without sin, throw the first stone at her.” Jesus bent down and continued to write. One by one the people backed away and left.

Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”

- John 8:9-11 

The woman was alone with Jesus—in a front row seat. He did not scold her, quote Old Testament scripture verses to her, or list her sinful actions. Rather, Jesus saw her spiritual brokenness and called her into a new life. 

There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus because, through Christ Jesus, the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from sin and death.

- Romans 8:1-2 

In the Gospels, Jesus performs many amazing miracles, but He doesn’t just focus on physical ailments. He loves people and wants them to walk in Truth. Jesus offers true freedom from the sin that entangles our hearts and lives. 

Head to Heart   

Friends, do you want to see Jesus up close and personal? The four Gospels give us an intimate view of Jesus. Readers can observe His mission through His works and words.

We can learn from Jesus and live our lives more like He did. We will not be perfect—far from it—but we can begin to speak and act more like Him. We can choose to submit our thoughts and actions to His control. 

© 2024 Discover God's Truth Ministries