John 8:1-20
In the account of the woman caught in adultery, Jesus, knowing that everyone was aware of their own sin in their lives, said, “Those who are without sin among you, let him cast the first stone.” They began to leave, from the oldest, who had lived longer with more opportunities to sin, to the youngest.
Sin causes a person to feel guilt, shame, and fear. To find freedom from these bondages, people sometimes gravitate towards pointing out the faults in others so they feel better about themselves. This crowd was not made up of humble people who were grateful for forgiveness. This crowd was a mob, feeling justified in their own good works, ready to kill a woman for being caught in an adulterous act.
The Mosaic law did call for both that woman and the man to be stoned to death. The crowd was not wrong about being obedient to the law. Where was the man in this adulterous act? Perhaps he ran off. Or perhaps this crowd was only interested in the woman. Whatever the case, Jesus knew the purpose of the law was to point to the insufficiency of humanity for right standing with God based on merit and to offer salvation through a savior.
Romans 3:23 says “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Jesus is our answer. Showing that same grace to others is something done by those who have received grace AND they are leaning on God’s grace instead of picking up works again. Those who understand grace are not condemning of others, but share the Gospel in humility and kindness (Romans 2:4).
To the woman who had sinned and been shamed, Jesus asked, “Where are your accusers?” He says this profound statement, “NEITHER DO I CONDEMN YOU.” God did not send Jesus to condemn the world; He came to save it (John 3:17). Jesus didn’t come to put us into prison where we would work off our sins. Jesus came to set the captive free by paying for our sins Himself.
Then He told her to “Go and sin no more.” She was free to “go.” No one was condemning her anymore. She’s free to be all that she is called to be in Christ. No one has a right to keep her back. If you have any sin in your past, you may have to rise above feeling of condemnation that may come from others or from within, which can be harder than it sounds if you struggle with the guilt, shame, and fear of failure. Jesus came to set us free to be all He created us to be in Him. Your Father wants His sons and daughters to know their identity and rise up in the joy and peace of His favor. He wants us to fulfill purpose. He wants us to share this hope with others, so they can know His salvation, too! Let’s rise and shine!
1 Chronicles 3-5
The Chronicles are giving us records. We’re thankful the Hebrews were diligent in writing down their history.
#covertocoverwithmelanie #covertocover #growchurches #bible #biblecommentary #melaniestone #readthebible #readingthroughthebible #biblereadingplan