Jesus: Compassion for Sinners

I. Text: John 8:1-11

A. Jesus did not come to the earth as a self-righteous tyrant who could not understand the weakness of man in the face of temptation

B. Living in the flesh, He could sympathize with our situation. Hebrews 4:14-16 – He can sympathize with us We can read of His compassion for sinners while living on the earth

C. Multitudes

D. Matthew 9:35-38 – Compassion for the multitudes He felt sorry for them for they were seeking the truth that the Jewish religious leaders had hidden and corrupted in their worldly approach to God. They were hungering and thirsting for righteousness.

E. Rich young ruler

F. Mark 10:17-22 – The story The ruler desired salvation and was diligent in keeping the Law. Perhaps he wanted confirmation from Jesus that he was saved or perhaps he felt something missing in his service and wanted Jesus’ direction. Jesus loved the young man; He wanted to save Him. However, one thing stood between this ruler and his proper relationship with God; his material possessions. In the end, the ruler loved his possessions more than he loved God. Though Jesus loved this young man and desired his salvation, He could not make the young man give himself completely to God; that decision belonged to the ruler.

G. Sinful woman

H. John 8:1-11 (read at the beginning of the service) In contrast to the rich young ruler, she had no misunderstanding about her condition before God; she knew she was a sinner.

I. She had received no compassion from the multitude that brought her to Jesus.

J. It was clear that they did not seek justice for they did not bring the man. Deuteronomy 22:22 – Both were to be stoned John 8:6 tells us that they were testing Jesus, not seeking justice.

K. In His well quoted, though misunderstood, answer, Jesus said, “He who is without sin, let him throw the stone first at her.”

L. Jesus was not, as many intend by quoting this, dismissing the woman’s sin.

M. Some people, when confronted with a sin, will say, “He who is without sin…” as if the general sinfulness of man excuses their sin. Matthew 19:12-13 – Jesus came to call sinners to repent

N. Jesus, knowing the Pharisees were testing Him, told them to stone the woman.

O. This would be right according to the Law. However, since the Pharisees knew that they were not seeking what was just, the stinging instruction to start first with the person without sin, would allow them to consider their own sinfulness before God. The oldest of them, who were probably well aware of their sinfulness, began to withdraw quietly from the crowd. The young, probably the arrogant that so easily see the sin and shortcomings of others but fail to realize that they are in the same condition, were the last to leave. Finally the woman was left alone

P. Jesus did not condemn her, but forgave her.

Q. She knew she was condemned; she knew her sinful condition. Jesus, who is full of mercy, forgave her of her sins.

R. However, He gave her the admonition to “sin no more.”

S. Those who quote the “He who is without sin…” often forget the “go and sin no more.” Jesus did not forgive her in sin, but forgave her and commanded her not to sin.

T. Those who crucified Jesus

U. Luke 23:33-35 – Jesus forgives as He is crucified In such a time of anguish and pain, one would be inclined to think of himself and the suffering he was suddenly having to endure.

V. Yet, at this time, Jesus is concerned with the eternal condition of those who condemned Him to death and nailed Him on the cross.

W. Jesus knew that they were acting in ignorance. Acts 3:13-18 – Peter preached this to the guilty multitude

X. Jesus did not seek vengeance, but their salvation.

Y. Matthew 26:53 – If He wanted deliverance, He could have it. Romans 5:8-11 – Instead, Jesus sought to save and reconcile us Ephesians 4:17-24 – Jesus wants the ignorant to learn of His way

II. Jesus wants us to reflect this compassion to sinners

A. We must follow Jesus’ example and have compassion on such people

B. Lost

C. We must direct those who are wandering aimlessly to the Great Shepherd. John 14:1-6 – Jesus is the only way to the Father1 Peter 2:24-25 – Jesus died so that He could be our Shepherd

D. Uncommitted

E. James 4:4-9 – We must not be double-minded, but put the world behind us and cling to Jesus Matthew 10:37-39 – We must give up all to follow Jesus and tell others to do so

F. Sinful

G. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 – Such were some of you, but you were cleansed James 5:19-20 – Those who rebuke sinners can save their souls

H. Ignorant

I. Acts 17:30-31 – God overlooked ignorance in the past Matthew 28:18-20 – We carry on the Great Commission to teach sinners of Jesus

III. Conclusion: If you are a Christian, are you showing compassion towards sinners as Jesus did? If you are not a Christian, Jesus still has compassion on you and wants you to be saved today.