Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, 2 but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. 3 As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd.
4 “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?”
6 They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. 7 They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” 8 Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.
9 When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. 10 Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”
11 “No, Lord,” she said.
And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”
John 8:1-11 (NLT)
Let’s face it – we’re living in a time that can only be described as chaotic. The world around us seems to be on a never-ending spin cycle, tossing up discussions about everything from politics and social justice to ideologies that leave our heads spinning.
But here’s the kicker: amidst all this chaos, it’s our relationships that often bear the brunt. Can you relate? I know I can. Think about it – how many of your relationships have felt the strain over these past few years? That tension, that awkwardness – it’s like an unwanted third wheel crashing the party.
So, what’s the deal with this “I-It” and “I-Thou” thing? Well, I’m glad you asked. This concept comes from philosopher Martin Buber, and it’s a game-changer. You see, we often view others through a lens of “I-It” – reducing them to mere objects or labels. But what if we shifted that perspective? What if we embraced “I-Thou” relationships, where we truly engage with others as unique individuals, not just objects to interact with?
Let’s take a trip back to ancient times for a story that hits home today. Picture a woman caught in the act of adultery, thrust into the spotlight by the religious bigwigs of her time. To them, she was just a problem to be solved, an “It.” But Jesus? Oh, he saw her differently. He saw her as a “Thou,” an individual worthy of love, compassion, and understanding.
Now, how do we take this ancient wisdom and apply it to our messy, modern lives? It starts by ditching the labels we slap onto people. Trust me, it’s easier said than done. But when we see others as unrepeatable treasures, as image-bearers of the divine, everything changes. Love flows naturally, walls come down, and suddenly, those interactions aren’t so awkward anymore.
Here’s the kicker: it’s not just about fixing our relationships. It’s about fixing ourselves. When we transition from “I-It” to “I-Thou,” we’re on a journey from brokenness to wholeness. We become more approachable, more aware of our own issues, and more courageous in our interactions.
Picture a community that’s marked by grace and peace. Sounds pretty amazing, right? Well, that vision starts with each one of us. It starts with you. When we commit to viewing others as “Thou’s” – as valuable individuals with their own stories and struggles – that’s when the magic happens. That’s when grace and peace start flowing freely.
I’m not saying this shift is easy. It’s a conscious choice, and it requires effort. But remember, Jesus set the example. He didn’t come to condemn, but to love and transform. So, why not follow suit?
As we journey through this series, remember this: chaos doesn’t have the final say in our relationships. The “I-Thou” shift can redefine and reshape them. And here’s the game-changer – just as Jesus views you as more than your mistakes, your flaws, and your labels, you have the power to do the same for others.