Read the Bible in a Year This evening read John 8:1--27 Solomon-Like Wisdom Solomon's first display of wisdom after requesting it from God is amazing. Solomon heard two women each pleading with him that the living of two sons was her own. He says to divide the child and give half to each woman. This sounds like he was willing to let the child be killed. However, he knew that the true mother would give up her son to the other woman that the boy might live. Jesus did the same thing when the scribes and Pharisees brought an adulterous woman to Jesus. They said that the Law of Moses commanded that the woman be stoned. They were right. That was the Law. John reveals that their true motive was not faithfulness to the Law of Moses, but they were testing Him that they might have a reason for condemning Him. If Jesus said to stone her, then He was in trouble with the Romans, who forbid the Jews from carrying out the death penalty. If He said not to stone her, then He was in violation of the Law of Moses. His answer was a brilliant Solomon-like wisdom. 7 So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first" (Joh. 8:7). This sounds like He was willing to let the woman be stoned. However, He knew that since their motives were not pure, and that they were equally guilty before the Law of Moses, that not one of them could pick up a stone and throw it at her. Sure enough, they all left. Here is the thing. If you continue to meditate upon the words of Jesus in the Gospel According to John, and the rest of Scripture, and ask God for wisdom, you shall have Solomon-like and Jesus-like wisdom. Marvel at the wisdom of Solomon, because it is the wisdom of God. Marvel at the wisdom of Jesus, because it is the wisdom of God. Marvel at God. Your wisdom shall increase. Don Ruhl Church of Christ 220 NE Savage Street Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310 541-476-3100 http://www.plymouth-church.com/dons_corner2.html http://associate.com/groups/emaildevotionals/