“‘Neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.’”
John 8:11
The Pharisees and teachers of the law sought ways to trap Jesus. They wanted to prove that He did not uphold the law and that He was a false prophet. In this story, it seemed they had found just the evidence they needed. But how wrong they were!
Jesus never fell for their tricks. In the temple courts that day, Jesus let them carry on while He calmly wrote in the dirt with His finger. At just the right moment, He turned the tables and brought a challenge to the accusers: “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her” (v. 7). Not a single stone was thrown. The crowd dispersed.
When the guilty woman and Jesus alone remained, no condemnation was bestowed. Rather, He commanded her to live uprightly. He looked beyond her sinful behavior and saw a person who could be made new. Isn’t that a perfect picture of us with our Savior? Because we know that there is no condemnation for us who are in Christ Jesus (see Romans 8:1), we can confess our sins and be purified from all unrighteousness (see 1 John 1:7).
Jesus never fell for their tricks. In the temple courts that day, Jesus let them carry on while He calmly wrote in the dirt with His finger. At just the right moment, He turned the tables and brought a challenge to the accusers: “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her” (v. 7). Not a single stone was thrown. The crowd dispersed.
When the guilty woman and Jesus alone remained, no condemnation was bestowed. Rather, He commanded her to live uprightly. He looked beyond her sinful behavior and saw a person who could be made new. Isn’t that a perfect picture of us with our Savior? Because we know that there is no condemnation for us who are in Christ Jesus (see Romans 8:1), we can confess our sins and be purified from all unrighteousness (see 1 John 1:7).
Scripture Focus
John 8:1-11
Insight
“How marvelous the grace that caught my fallensoul./ He looked beyond my fault and saw my need.” (Dottie Rambo, 1934-2008)
Bible In A Year
- Song of Solomon 1-2
- Psalm 69
- John 9
