The Accused
Jesus Demonstrates His Compassion
The book of John the Apostle shows the divinity of Jesus Christ. This book is one of the most powerful stories in which Jesus shows His compassion, grace, mercy, and forgiveness to a sinner, found in the very act of her transgression.
This woman was caught in the act of adultery. Jewish law, written in Moses’ day, says this act is punishable by death. Jewish law also stated two or more accusers had to testify against her to be convicted. She was guilty of this sin and deserved punishment.
The Darkness of Deception
The Pharisees also, once again, tried to trap Jesus. The current Roman government outlawed execution unless it was under their authority. Stoning this woman under Jewish law would have condemned Jesus to death by Roman hands, but it was not yet His hour.
The Compassion of Christ
John chapter 8:2 states: Now early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him, and He sat down and taught them.
(v.3) Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, (v.4) they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act.” (v.5) “Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do you say?”
(v.6) This they said testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though he did not hear.
(v.7) So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”
(v.8) And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground.
(v.9) Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
(v.10) When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”
(v.11) She said, “No one, Lord,” And Jesus said to her, “neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”
(v.12) Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
There are many points to talk about in this passage:
NO ONE but Jesus
No man is qualified to judge a person for their sins – NO ONE. People can guide, pastors can teach, but Jesus, our Lord, and Savior, is the only one who led a perfectly sinless life. He is the only one who can judge sin. Jesus is the Holy Lamb of God, who bore the brunt of the entire world’s sins. His death and resurrection made it possible for all who believe in Him to be worthy in the presence of God in heaven. His shed blood washed away all your sins and made you spiritually clean in the eyes of God. Redemption is only through Him. All have fallen short. Therefore all of the woman’s accusers were also guilty of sin.
Did you notice the Bible never says what Jesus wrote in the sand? It only states that it convicted them. In my humble opinion, Jesus pointed out their sins. They risked judgment as well.
I feel Jesus does not tell us because those sins are between Him and the accusers. Otherwise, we may fall into the same trap of unjustly accusing these men, just as they unjustly accused the woman.
Forgiven
The Caveat
Jesus also forgave the woman of her immoral behavior. Only Jesus is qualified for this. However, did you notice there was a caveat: “…go and sin no more.” Jesus was sent to the world to save the world, not condemn it. He was sent to redeem our sins through grace, mercy and the cross.
Grace is neverending for those who believe and love God. If you genuinely love God and believe Jesus is the Son of God and He died on the cross to pay for your sin, if you truly love Jesus Christ and honor what He did for you, the behavior that caused this sin will change. You will be convicted as well, and you will seek redemption and it will transform your behavior to better honor our Lord, our Savior. To show your love for Him as He has demonstrated His love for you.
Mercy, however, is not infinite. If you continue in your sin, you will be held accountable for your actions. I believe Jesus gave the woman who was left in the midst, the power to leave her sinful nature behind her, just as He gives you, through the Holy Spirit, the ability to walk away from your past as well.
The Light
The Pharisees could not see the light of God. Their pride and selfish hatred filled their hearts in darkness.
Jesus is the light of the world. The woman, who is now redeemed by Jesus, is now within the light of God. You also can be forgiven, reborn, and have a fulfilled life as well. Just ask, sincerely invite Jesus into your heart. The Holy Spirit will grow within your soul revealing the wonder of God and how he saved you from darkness. Why? Because you are loved.