Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

December 20: John 7-8

Scripture: John (NIV) 8:7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first until only Jesus was left with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go not and leave your life of sin.”

Observation: The only one present with the moral authority to condemn this woman was Jesus. He was the only one without sin. Condemnation is putting down a person; conviction is putting down the sin. Condemnation says the person is unimportant; conviction says the person is important and has value. When the world condemns us, the Holy Spirit convicts us. Then He helps us overcome the sin!

Application: I need to see people as Jesus sees them. They have great value to God. I need to treat people as God treats them.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, your love for people is seen in that you were willing to send your Son to die for their sins. People have great value to you. They are to have value to me. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!