Traps

Text: John 8:1-11

Theme: With Jesus, what were meant to be traps turn into freedom.

Key verses: “Jesus…sat down and taught them. As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd. ‘Teacher,’ they said to Jesus, ‘this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?’ They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, ‘All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!’… When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, ‘Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?’ ‘No, Lord,’ she said. And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I. Go and sin no more’ (v. 1-11).

What I believe God said to me: Good morning, son. I’m glad you are back home safe and sound. You need to take some rest and refocus on what lies ahead. Listen to my still, small voice. I gifted you with AI to help you work through some important projects and assignments tasked to you. Be a word of caution: Do not learn to rely on AI more than me. Always keep in mind it is merely a tool–much like a trusted friend. It can speak words of help and refinement, even direction. However, it does not take the place of the Holy Spirit. Consider me your SI: your supernatural, Spirit-led, Supreme, Shepherd’s Intelligence. I am your all-in-all, your counselor, your guide, your God and your best friend. I stick closer than a brother. I never leave you or forsake. I am always in your heart and mind speaking words of wisdom and love to your soul. Use AI, but don’t follow AI. It too can become a subtle trap to ensnare you. You’ll be fine if you are careful to only follow and obey me. My sheep know my voice and follow me. Regarding today’s scripture passage: While there is much you could take away from what happened here, I don’t want this time with you to erode into mere sermon or teaching prep. This is my time with you. This is me speaking to you and communing Friend to friend. Now notice that the woman’s sin was exposed, her accusers’ sin was hidden, and Jesus’ words of truth and grace cut through to both of them, refusing false dilemmas, exposing hypocrisy, and extending mercy. What you got from AI is quite accurate: “If you fall like the woman, you can come to Jesus and receive both forgiveness and transformation, not just release. If you walk like Jesus, you learn to hold truth and grace together, helping others without compromising righteousness, and If you live like the accusers you may use truth externally while remaining blind internally—and walk away unchanged.” That’s spot-on and scripturally-informed. But what I want you to see, Dwayne, is that at times you have been the equivalent of that adulterous woman. You may have tried to hide your sin from others, but I see everything you think and all you do. The moral of this, your modern-day story of grace, is that I also do not condemn you, just as I didn’t condemn that woman. And I am telling you the same as I did her: Go and sin no more. Respond to my mercy that endures forever. Be changed so deeply and be so grateful that you don’t want to sin again. Submit yourself to my authority and lordship in your life from here on out. I died on a cross for you, so you can now take up your cross and follow me as a new creature with a new, clean heart. You have fallen for many of the enemy’s traps over the years, and yet, look Who is still keeping you from falling and will make you pure and joyful in my glorious presence. Let that sink in. Let my mercy and grace over you all these years affect you deeply and change you to the deepest core of your being and living.

What I said to God: Holy Lord, what a joy and privilege to know You and get to follow You today. I love You, Lord. I am forever grateful for Your death on the cross to take my place. I’m not going to the very place I deserve. Instead, I will spend eternity with You. Wow! I thank You for the way You directed our steps in Africa during this training tour. Thank You for Donald and all his work and investment to make it so fruitful. Bless him on his birthday today. I appreciate how You are leading me with writing and constructing the new lab books and resources for Liberty. What an honor to create an experience that could forever impact their lives and ministries. I am humbled that I get to be part of what You are doing on earth. Your kingdom come. Your will be done.