Grace!
John 8:3-11 And the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, and having set her in the midst they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act. Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?” And they were saying this, testing Him, in order that they might have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down, and with His finger wrote on the ground. But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” And again He stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And when they heard it, they began to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones, and He was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the midst. And straightening up, Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” And she said, No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go your way. From now on sin no more.”
People get this confused. They wonder why there is such a focus on our sin. The reason is because God wants to get rid of the sin to get the important part – – spending life together. Walking with Him like Adam and Eve did in the garden. It all goes back to why we were created in the first place. God wants a relationship that doesn’t rely on forced worship (like the angels). He wants a relationship with beings who choose to be with Him. Doesn’t it feel so much better to have someone play with you because they want to and not because their mom makes them? That’s how God feels when we choose to give up sin in our lives because we want to be with Him. And that’s why He lets us choose Him instead of forcing us to believe in Him. Just like the boy on the playground who’s chosen last for teams, God feels disappointed when mankind chooses sin over Him.
The story of Jesus and the gospel is really a love story. The one that God has for you! It isn’t about our sin…. it’s about the love of a good God who wants to be rid of that sin so He can get to you! It’s all about YOU!
Activity: Make an Easter Garden
1. Get a large terracotta planter base and small terracotta planter from the hardware store.
2. Fill half the planter base with river rocks. Place the small pot on its side in the rocks.
3. Fill the other half of the planter base with potting soil making sure to cover the top of the small planter, leaving only the opening showing.
4. Sprinkle grass seed in the soil. Sprinkle a thin layer of soil over top the seeds.
5. Place your round-ish stone halfway over the small terracotta planter’s opening.
6. Make 3 wooden crosses from twigs. (see Day 38 activity for instructions) and place behind the “tomb”
7. Mist soil daily. Grass should sprout within 7-10 days in time for Resurrection morning.
Comments (1)
Leighann – thank you so much! The activities have been wonderful for the children on my class. And am going to make the Easter Garden also with my grandson!