Jesus was teaching at the Temple and the normal crowd gathered. He was quickly interrupted by religious leaders dragging a haggard looking woman. Shoving her in front of the crowd, they said, Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of adultery (John 8:4 NLT), then questioned what they should do with her.
The judges didn’t need information. They were authorities on God’s Word. This offense required death by stoning for the man and woman. Of course, they conveniently overlooked the man. Particulars weren’t important. Trapping Jesus was their goal.
Jesus saw through the charade. Instead of an immediate answer, he stooped down and doodled on the ground. They demanded an answer so he stood up and told them anyone without sin should cast the first stone. The staunch accusers dwindled away and the woman was left with Jesus who said, Neither do I (condemn you). Go and sin no more. (John 8:11)
Jesus didn’t come for the purpose of condemnation-although sin does do this. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:17) Salvation was the course he preferred humanity to follow.
God sent Jesus because he loved us and because we were in the woman’s predicament. Maybe it isn’t adultery, but any sin will do. Just one, in fact, is all that’s needed to separate us from God and eternal life. The key to the woman’s resurrection to new life was sinning no more. She needed a change of heart. We do too. What’s keeping you from Jesus? Are you willing to give it up?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, may we give up whatever separates from You.
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