“The Doctrine of Mercy”
John 8:1-12
When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” [Jn 8:10-11]
Hosea 6:5 says this, “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” This is the heart of God. God’s desire is for mercy. Mercy is His doctrine.
Remember that true doctrine comes from the heart of God and is motivated by a desire to do God’s will in all situations. Jesus spelled it out when He said, “If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine…” [Jn 7:16] It is the “wills to do His will” that makes all the difference.
Jesus’ disciples were unlearned men, yet they understood this critical truth after the Spirit came upon them at Pentecost [ref. Acts 2]. Paul was learned, yet Jesus had him unlearn what he learned to come to the same understanding [ref. Php 3:4-11]. True doctrine [didachē], “the act of teaching and instruction,” does not come by education, but by revelation and a desire to do God’s will.
Our passage shows this in real living color. On the one side was a woman caught in adultery thus breaking the Law [ref. Lev 20:10]. On the other side were Scribes and Pharisees looking to entrap Jesus with the very same Law. What doctrine would Jesus use?
He followed not Lev 20:10. “Such should be stoned” that was quoted by the religious leaders [ref. Jn 8:5]. What Jesus did follow, however, was the will of God.
This we know because Jesus is God. “I and My Father are one.” [Jn 10:30] “The Father has not left me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” [Jn 8:29] And so, what did Jesus do? He exercised mercy.
The doctrine of mercy eclipsed Lev 20:10 because God’s will was mercy. God was [and is] longsuffering so there would not be judgment. “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.”
What an interesting contrast! Here was an adulteress acknowledging her sin and following Christ and religious leaders denying their sin and leaving Christ. And Jesus was the One that separated the two. Also notice that the source of their failed entrapment was doctrine.
What would be the doctrine exercised? He exercised mercy because mercy was His Father’s will.
