TAKE FIVE: GOSPEL

Record five main takeaways God taught you through the group session and personal studies this week. You may want to choose one truth from each day, or certain days may have been especially meaningful to you.

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A heart-wrenching story of grace is told in John 8:1-11. A woman had been caught in the act of adultery, dragged into public, and thrown into the dirt at Jesus’ feet. She was every bit as naked as Adam and Eve had been but without even fig leaves to cover her guilty shame. The adulteress was exposed, and she had no way to hide from the eyes of her accusers and onlookers.

Instead of joining in their judgment, Jesus bent down and began writing in the dust with His finger. You can imagine that the stares were drawn away from the helpless woman and onto the merciful hands of Jesus. The Savior challenged the accusers, inviting anyone who wasn’t guilty of their own sins to throw stones of judgment at her. They all walked away empty-handed before Jesus stood up again. Christ then told this woman that her sins were forgiven and to go live free from sin.

Consider the mercy Christ has shown you as you read the following passage.

I waited patiently for the Lord , and he turned to me and heard my cry for help.

He brought me up from a desolate pit, out of the muddy clay, and set my feet on a rock,

making my steps secure.

He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear, and they will trust in the Lord .

Let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; let those who love your salvation continually say, “The Lord is great!”

I am oppressed and needy; may the Lord think of me.

You are my helper and my deliverer; my God, do not delay.

PSALM 40:1-3,16-17

Read Psalm 40 in your Bible. Let it guide a time of prayerful reflection.