Step 1: Opening and Introduction to the lesson – Personal Testimonies from last week’s study and Reflection: Describe a time as a child when someone tattled on you? When were you caught red handed doing something you shouldn’t have? Who has been an encouragement to you?
Step 2: Hear – Read: The Woman caught in Adultery. John 7:53 – 8:11.
Step 3: Explore – Discover the Passage
- How is this situation a trap for Jesus? What would the Pharisees accuse Jesus of it he told them to let her go? If he told them to stone her? How does he spring the trap (verse 7)? Did Jesus bring the accusers to the same level as the accused?
- Why do you think Jesus bent down and wrote on the ground? How would the woman just caught in adultery have felt? What was the significance of Jesus’ question in verse 10?
- How does Jesus’ response to the woman exemplify “grace and truth” (1:17 “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ”)? Also ref 3:17.
- What was Jesus’ message when he said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin”? (Acquittal; Warning; Encouragement; Challenge; Other).
Step 4: Connect – Apply the Passage:
- How does the way Jesus treated this woman help you face your sins?
- Jesus accepts you as is. When did you come to realize Jesus values you as a person? Does that free you to change, or does it support your bad behavior? How so?
- When have you felt tried and convicted by the crowd? What do you do when you blow it?
- What can you learn from Jesus about helping a friend who has fallen?
Step 5: Reflect: Has no one condemned you? …Then neither do I condemn you, Jesus declared. Go now and leave your life of sin.
