SCRIPTURE:
Straightening up, Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.”
John 8:10, 11
OBSERVATION:
The scribes an Pharisees wanted this woman reprimanded and punished for her act of adultery. In addition to her consequence they were hoping to incriminate Jesus via his reaction and response.
Jesus responds by calling them out, “if any of you are perfect go ahead and do your thing…if not, get outta here.” Lovingly and graciously Jesus reminds the woman to be convicted of her sin but not condemned by it. His command: ”sin no more”.
How could this woman not listen to Jesus from this point on? He saved her from certain death by doing nothing more than stating the truth. ”Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” She would be foolish to go back out there and commit the same sin after this amazing act of truth, forgiveness and mercy was shown to her. Saved from the grips of death by the grace of the Savior.
APPLICATION:
Sin no more. If I was at the edge of death and offered a second chance at life I’m sure I would walk away with not only a grateful heart but a commitment and conviction to never get into that situation again. Moving forward from it I would receive that second chance at life and live a life deserving of that gift. I would not want to squander this opportunity at life.
I have never stood as the centerpiece of a stoning. Neither have I been on trial where death is the verdict.
But I have been rescued from certain death and despair, and Jesus has offered this gift to me freely. I’ve done nothing to deserve it, in fact I probably have done enough junk to void it. Nevertheless, I’ve been redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb. All my sins have been washed away. I’ve been given a future and a hope by a gracious and loving Savior. To sin no more is the challenge, and I will fall short, Romans 3:23 reminds me of that. But I have received the same grace and mercy that the woman received that day. I have been found worthy of the grace of God and while He requires nothing but my heart in return, I can move forward with an action that is deserving and honoring of this gift.
PRAYER:
Thank you Jesus. Today I’m reminded of how dangerous it can be for me to forget, even for a moment, of how my life would be without You, without Your grace, without Your mercy, without Your kindness. Thank you for your unending and merciful love toward me. I give You my heart. Amen
