9At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
11“No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,”Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:9-11)
Thoughts: Jesus had said, "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone." Those who were about to be stoners lost their nerve and felt their guilt. No one is without sin. Only Jesus, the One really without sin, was left and He did not condemn her.
Jesus did not say that there is no such thing as adultery, or that it did not apply. Jesus called adultery here "a life of sin." Jesus gave her a second chance, but He also asked her to repent. Grace does not stop the need for repentance. Grace gives us a chance to repent- to turn around- and the time, energy, life, and power to do so if we will. Jesus also told the lame man to "stop sinning or something worse will happen to you" (5:14). When Jesus heals or forgives, He gives us a second chance to live life the way it should be lived. Jesus still hated the sin but loved the sinner.
Jesus did not say that there is no such thing as adultery, or that it did not apply. Jesus called adultery here "a life of sin." Jesus gave her a second chance, but He also asked her to repent. Grace does not stop the need for repentance. Grace gives us a chance to repent- to turn around- and the time, energy, life, and power to do so if we will. Jesus also told the lame man to "stop sinning or something worse will happen to you" (5:14). When Jesus heals or forgives, He gives us a second chance to live life the way it should be lived. Jesus still hated the sin but loved the sinner.
Prayer: Help me Lord, to walk with you.. Thank you for the many chances you have given me. Keep me from condemning others, but also keep me from giving into sin.
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