" WHY DID JESUS STOOP DOWN ?"

Today I was reminded of a conversation that I had with a very good friend two weeks past regarding the Sin of Lust. It seems that every time we pick-up a newspaper, magazine, view t.v. or a movie we see an attractive person. While driving down the street billboards get our attention and yes even when we get to work attractive people are close up and personal. My friend wears a rubber band on his wrist to remind himself to avert his eyes... and turn away. My question to you is: what do you do when you're faced with LUSTING after another ?

Have you ever considered John 8:6 "But Jesus stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground". Throughout the years I was always focused on what Jesus may have written in the dust. I have heard many sermons and the thoughts of many on the quandary of what Jesus wrote on the ground.

Today I wish to explore another avenue of thought. John 8:4 "They said to Him, "teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act". I have to wonder how well she was covered up at this point as the Jewish leaders, the Scribes and pharisees dragged her through the streets and into the temple. These officials were always looking for ways to test and accuse Jesus of breaking the law. The Pharisees, who had classified over 600 laws, often tried to distinguish the more important from the less important. "ADULTERY" The unfaithfulness of someone to his or her marriage vows. Expressly forbidden by the seventh Commandment and by Jesus.

Now Jesus was in the temple again and the people sought him out to learn from the master. At this time the Jewish leadership felt that they were losing ground as Jesus was gaining in popularity with the masses. Jesus was about the "Father's Business". He had just sat down to His day of teaching. I'm sure that there must have been a reverberation of taunts as they dragged and pulled this adulterous woman to Jesus. The Old Testament Law said that it is wrong for a person to have sex with someone other than his or her spouse. Matt 5:28 "Everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." EVERYONE MEANS THAT NO ONE is exempt.

I'm reminded of a story that I read in 2 Samuel, in fact I wish to highlight 2 Samuel 11:1-24 regarding David and Bathsheba. David's personal life became enmeshed with impure thoughts. He committed adultery with a married woman, Bathsheba and then he ordered her husband killed in an unsuccessful attempt to cover-up their sin. David was full of regret and sought God's forgiveness. We may be forgiven by God for sins, but we will often experience harsh, consequences.

We are warned in Scripture "DO NOT LOVE THE WORLD" 1 John 2:16 "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world".

Now getting back to my original thought, why did Jesus STOOP DOWN? I'm from the school of thought that He didn't want to gaze upon a half clothed woman. Can you imagine all the situations that Jesus had to deal with simultaneously. Jesus was the teacher, and even at a time such as this He showed us how to avert our eyes. JESUS STOOPED DOWN AND WROTE IN THE DIRT.

Until next time.

Jim