PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: John 8:1-11
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:11)
Unfortunately, this story is not for sure a true story.
The earliest and the best Greek manuscripts do not include it.
I say unfortunately because it captures beautifully the spirit of Jesus.
He is gracious with the sinful woman, and firm with the religious leaders.
We see Jesus overruling the law with grace.
Jesus does not ignore her sin, but neither does he condemn her.
Whether or not this event happened, there is something powerful for us.
The early believers loved this Jesus, who was for sinners but not religious hypocrisy.
As they drew near to them, they learned with him how ‘to sin no more’.
Change didn’t come overnight, but their love kept them growing, wanting to grow more.
People still quote these words (‘cast the first stone’) to avoid condemnation.
People are less likely to quote Jesus’s other words (‘go and sin no more’).
But this whole story shows us the Jesus we love, the Jesus we love to obey.
Religion sends people away to change; Jesus helps people change through love!
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for not condemning me. Your graciousness makes me want to stop the sins that I know I need to stop.
What did he write on the ground!!??
Jesus was so disinterested in condemnation while mankind is obsessed. He came to save us, not judge us I’m reminded. While we focus on the consequences and fear judgements, Jesus calls us to grow in every moment and die to ourselves every day. Lord help me be like that.
I have dirt on my hands – unwashed hands – or maybe ‘blood’ on my hands when I accuse or condemn others. Jesus the righteous one has the right to accuse/to condemn – but instead he shows grace and he gives the woman a challenge “to leave your life of sin”. Rather than accuse or condemn, I also need to find the opportunity to forgive, to offer grace. I need not seek to help someone get what they deserve but rather to help someone get what they don’t deserve. grace/mercy. Just as I received it!
The religious leaders condemned the woman. Jesus forgave and a new start on life. When we meet Jesus we have a choice – to serve Him or return to our sinful ways. Thank You Lord for repentance in Christ Jesus giving me new life to serve Him in all I do and say. May Your love for me be a light for others to desire the forgiveness and a desire to live for Jesus.
All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
All my being’s ransomed pow’rs;
All my thoughts and words and doings,
All my days and all my hours.
All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
All my days and all my hours.
All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
All my days and all my hours.
2
Let my hands perform His bidding;
Let my feet run in His ways;
Let mine eyes see Jesus only;
Let my lips speak forth His praise.
All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
Let my lips speak forth His praise.
All for Jesus! All for Jesus!
Let my lips speak forth His praise.