Did Jesus write in the dust, when they brought the women caught in adultery to Him, because those who forsake the Lord are "written in the dust"?
Does Jer 17:13 relate to the story in John 8:2-11, where Jesus writes on the ground?
Jeremiah 17:13
ESV - 13 O Lord, the hope of Israel, all who forsake you shall be put to shame; those who turn away from you shall be written in the earth, for they have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living water.
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Asked November 05 2014
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Jimmy Ramirez
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Joseph Turner
It is my humble opinion that it is a possibility that what Jesus did could refer to Jeremiah 17:13. Interestingly, the ESV reads, 'O Lord, the hope of Israel, all who forsake you shall be put to shame; those who turn away from you shall be written in the earth,' which is pretty much the same idea. The context of John 8:2-11 is important to understand the significance of the potential connection. Jesus is confronted with a situation wherein the attempt is being made to trap Him. (John 8:3-6) Firstly, if the woman was caught in the act of adultery, where is the man? It takes 'two to tango', so to speak. Yes, the law established that those guilty of adultery were worthy of stoning, however, only one of the guilty parties are present, and it is obviously a selective observance of the law, much like when the satraps in Babylon had a law made up that outlawed prayer to anyone but the King, then proceeded to stake out Daniel's home so they could 'catch him' (see Daniel 6; 6:5; 6:13). As Paul says in the context of 2 Corinthians 3:5-6, 'For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.' The point of the law was to show the limitations and shortcomings of man, as Paul says in Romans 7:7, 'Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.”' But, as Jesus also reminds us, God desires mercy, not sacrifice. (See Matthew 9:13; 12:7; Hosea 6:6) All we know is that Jesus said, 'Let him who is without sin cast the first stone,' and continued writing. Then, the Pharisees departed, with the older ones first (John 8:7-9). It has been theorized that Jesus was writing in the dirt the secret sins that even the Pharisees were guilty of, which, the older ones would most likely be humble enough to recognize sooner than the younger. We are not sure. However, the point is, that, if we truly were to apply the full implications of the law, like the stoning of the woman for her transgression of the law, that would include us all as well. We are not spared from God's wrath by our righteousness, as righteousness cannot be attained by the law. It is by God's mercy and to demonstrate God's grace. The Law and the Prophets bear witness to the fact that all who trust in Jesus Christ have righteousness through faith(Romans 3:21-26). Indeed, we can all stand in wonder with the woman as Jesus says, 'Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.' (John 8:10-11) God bless!
Connie Van Amerongen
I wrote the following Poem some time ago now... SCRIBBLING IN THE SAND - WHAT DID JESUS SAY? [Based on the Scriptures, in the Book of John, chapter 8, and the verses 3 -11] What did JESUS say, that day when HE scribbled in the sand? Mysterious words, unknown to man? The exact words not written in the SCRIPTURES? These particular words? Not necessary for us to know. But these words? Could they have been: “All human beings are sinful, But, I know their hearts. I know which children are mine! This man, woman, and child, I will save a remnant for MYSELF? I will die for these people? Yes! They are truly sorry for their sins. These people? Yes, they make mistakes, But I love them anyway? I will die for MY children, But on the third day rise again? And thus make it possible for them, FOREVER to live with ME, In Everlasting Joy, and Peace?” CEvA
Brian Nelson
We don't know exactly why Jesus wrote on the ground during the episode of the woman caught in adultery, but many have surmised that Jesus was referring to the Old Testament passage found in Jeremiah. Not enough information was provided to know for sure.
Vince Wong
When they brought the woman to Jesus, they wanted to see how Jesus would answer them since this woman broke one of the Ten Commandments. They thought they'd put Jesus into a no-way-out situation, kinda caught him between a rock and a hard place. Jesus knew their intentions. He bent down to appear like he was writing something but I believe he was just trying to remind them (and us) that it was HIM (JESUS) that wrote the Ten Commandment (Read Exo 31:18 & Deu 9:10). The finger that wrote the commandments on the stones given to Moses was the finger of Jesus. Essentially, he was telling them, "I wrote the Ten Commandments." Then of course, he got up and gave his awe-inspiring response to the crowd. That's our Lord!
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