Eye Level

A common practice for speaking to a small child, especially when they need correction, is to stoop down and get on eye level with them. Why do we do this? There are several reasons. One of those reasons is that we don’t want to intimidate them by elevating our stature over them. Another reason is that we want their full attention, but most of all, it is an intentional decision to be in the moment with them. We choose to identify with them and show them respect regardless of age or stature. Today, we will learn about Jesus’ intentional decision to share in a woman’s humiliation, shame, and despair. The Pharisees and scribes used this woman as a weapon to catch Jesus condoning the breaking of one of the Ten Commandments. What would He do if confronted with someone who had unquestionably violated another of the Ten Commandments besides keeping the Sabbath day holy? If He publicly rejected one of those sacred standards, people would turn against Him, and the Pharisees would have grounds and witnesses to accuse Him of being a false prophet (Dt 13:1-5). However, Jesus does not play by their rules, He is about His Father’s business, and just as we might do with our children, Jesus knows how to get on eye level with those He came to save. Jesus used their accusations to declare freedom from condemnation for this woman, and He does the same for us.