the victim-victor
"They were posing this question to trap Him, so that they could have something to accuse Him of." —John 8:6
Jesus saved an adulteress from being executed (Jn 8:1ff). He made sure that justice was not done. In doing this, He did nothing for the victims of the adulteress' sin-crime. Jesus seems to have disregarded the broken hearts of the spouse or spouses cheated on, the disturbed and confused families traumatized by the adultery, and the moral climate of that society further warped by sin. Jesus' mercy to the adulteress seems unjust to, and even merciless to, her victims.
However, shortly afterward, Jesus was in agony the night before His crucifixion. Here Jesus assured justice and mercy for all victims by deciding to atone for all sins, heal all broken hearts, restore all families, and transform all human societies. Jesus, by becoming the ultimate Victim on Calvary, gave justice and mercy, love and life, to all the victims and victimizers — to all the innocent victims and guilty ones.
Victims and victimizers, give your lives to Jesus, the Victim-Victor, and share in His victory.
Prayer: Father, may I "know Christ and the power flowing from His resurrection; likewise to know how to share in His sufferings by being formed into the pattern of His death" (Phil 3:10).
Promise: "See, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?" —Is 43:19
Praise: Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory and majesty!
Reference: (For a related teaching on Jesus, the Redeemer, listen to or download our CD 50-3 or DVD 50-CH-4 or order our tape on audio AV 50-3 or video V-50 at presentationministries.com.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, September 28, 2015
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