John 8:1-11
OPEN IT:
What is the most dramatic conversion story that you are aware of?
DIG INTO IT:
Read John 8:1-11 and answer the following questions:
a) How do you think the teachers of the law and Pharisees caught this woman in adultery?
b) What do you think she was feeling as she was made to stand before the crowd and receive the accusation?
c) Were the religious leaders really interested in this woman’s sin, or were they more interested in putting Jesus on the spot? If the latter, what does that say about the condition of their hearts?
d) Why did Jesus initially respond by writing with His finger on the ground? Any guess as to what He was writing?
e) Jesus challenge in v. 7 had a dramatic effect on the religious leaders? Why? What would your response have been?
f) Why did everyone leave after Jesus challenged them? Why did the older ones leave first?
g) For what purpose did Jesus ask the woman the questions in v. 10? Was it for His benefit or for hers?
h) Did Jesus tell her that sin was no big deal or something else?
REFLECT ON IT:
- Put yourself in this woman’s shoes…what would you have done if made to stand before the crowd caught in your sin?
- Have you ever met anyone who had a similar attitude to that of the teachers of the law and Pharisees? Without naming names, give some examples.
- What does Jesus’ response teach you about grace? How can a similar response be given to judgmental people today?
- What is the most moving part of this story for you? Why?
- Jesus told the woman to “leave your life of sin.” What does that tell us about how Jesus views sin?
6. What sin do you need forgiven for?
- In what way can we pray for you today?
PRAY ABOUT IT:
“God never gives us discernment in order that we may criticize, but that we may intercede.” ~ Oswald Chambers
Davis, Barry L.. Instant Bible Studies for Small Groups (p. 60). GodSpeed Publishing. Kindle Edition.