This week we will continue to explore 7 ways Jesus showed love, love that we can seek to replicate to those around us.

7. Listening 

Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, making her stand in the centre. “Teacher,” they said to him, “this woman was caught in the act of committing adultery. In the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So, what do you say?” They asked this to trap him, in order that they might have evidence to accuse him.
Jesus stooped down and started writing on the ground with his finger. When they persisted in questioning him, he stood up and said to them, “The one without sin among you should be the first to throw a stone at her.” Then he stooped down again and continued writing on the ground. 
John 8:3-8

In reading the gospels in the bible you will see that Jesus is the master of listening. He takes time to listen, Jesus is shown to be patient and actively listening, not rushing to think about his own answer and just talking instead of listening. 

Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

In this bible passage today, Jesus is grilled by a group of religious men looking to trap him. They present a woman to him and they outline her sins and failings, not caring or seeking justice but looking to find fault with Jesus. 

Instead of answering he just starts drawing in the sand! What was he doing, what was he writing? Well, I don’t know but it was clear that Jesus was listening. He spoke just one thing to them, basically ‘if you are sinless then throw the first stone at her.’ 

Silently, quietly, her accusers slipped away until it was just Jesus and the woman. 

When Jesus stood up, he said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
“No one, Lord,” she answered.
“Neither do I condemn you,” said Jesus. “Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.”
John 8:10-11

Jesus was able to listen and hear people, not problems or gossip, he didn’t turn his heart and head to that. He moved beyond all that to people, their lives, their heartbreak and their chaos. He listened to the deeper things, the unsaid things in lives around him. 

So often we want to be heard over making time to listen to others. Could be a good reminder here how loving it can be to listen. Listen like Jesus. 

Image Credit: Jon Tyson