March 4

John 7:53 – 8:11

Link to Bible Verses: John 7-8

Reverence: Inclusive of all of creation—including self—because of the spark of the Divine in all

Thinking about the story of adultery in John through the lens of reverence shifts things a bit for me. Without reverence, I encounter Jesus’ approach as simply Jesus’ approach; it seems right and just, but it also seems difficult to duplicate. If I read the story and consider Jesus doing and saying what he does out of reverence, I hear a slightly different story.

Jesus knew all of the accusers had guilty consciences, if for no other reason than they are human. He could have called them out more directly. He could have embarrassed or shamed them. Instead, perhaps out of reverence for each of them, he takes a more subtle, respectful, and reflective approach. Perhaps out of reverence, he trusts them to recuse themselves quietly. And they do just that, which leaves Jesus alone with the woman.

Christ’s encounter with this woman almost brings me to tears sometimes. I sense such tenderness and gentleness. Here is a woman who has been publicly outed and shamed (unlike the man she was with, whoever that might be), who has faced the fear of being stoned. Christ encounters her with solace and mercy. That must feel like reverence, don’t you think? This woman went from being shamed to being revered. Am I capable of offering this to another if I encounter them with an attitude of reverence for their God-given and imperfect existence?

Thank you to Linda Land-Closson for writing our 2026 Lenten Devotions.