Common Sense!

For Thursday, December 7, 2023:

Mark 1:22 NLT: “The people were amazed at Jesus’ teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike the (other) teachers of religious law.”

I imagine Jesus’ teaching of heavenly principles would be direct and right to the point. He didn’t need to read scripture and then try to discern what was intended. Jesus said, “I and the Father are one,” so he already knew what was intended even before reading the passage.

Consider the woman caught in adultery. (John ch. 8) Following the letter of the Law, she should have stoned, a cruel barbaric way of taking someone’s life. Jesus on the other hand, purveyor of the New Covenant, was taking the position that she should repent, be offered forgiveness, and then pursue a better way of living. Jesus believed in do-overs and second chances. Realize that the world would not be any better if the woman had been killed. I’m certain that she asked for forgiveness, and Jesus told her to “go and sin no more.”

Jesus also told the Pharisees, “Let the one among you with no sin cast the first stone.” Their focus was on the letter of the Law and it’s enforcement, rather than love, kindness and forgiveness. You might say that Jesus threw some common sense into the Law, and it’s better his way. We need to remember that!

Thankfully we too are judged by the love, forgiveness and kindness we learned from the Son!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship