Chosen by God!
Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” (John 8:10-11 NLT)
Words, phrases, that stood out to me in these verses are:
Jesus stood
Said to the woman
Accusers
Condemn
Neither do I
Go
Sin no more
It’s amazing that in their eagerness to condemn, and possibly make themselves feel better, people expose the sins of others instead of covering them. It was the teachers of the religious law, the scribes and Pharisees, that brought this woman before Jesus. Their agenda was to trick Jesus, which they could not do. However, there are powerful lessons in this story.
When you speak the truth there will always be those opposed to the truth who will try to trip you up. We can take our example from Jesus and continue in truth, not just in words but in our actions. Interestingly truth has its own redemption and peace, even in conflict.
The leaders, the teachers were supposed to rightly divide the Word of Truth and lead people into truth. Yet, when what they were teaching, perverting, was exposed instead of having a repentant heart they chose to find a way to kill Jesus. We need to understand everyone does not want truth but that should not stop us from sharing truth.
When accusing the woman of her sin the very accusers could not hide from their own sin. What I love about this is that Jesus, who knows everything, especially their hearts, did not expose their sins but just made a statement, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” (John 8:7b NLT) And this brings us to Jesus alone with the woman asking her where her accusers were. He was the one without sin that could have thrown the first stone. Yet in His compassion He did not condemn her. Instead He forgave her and told her to “go and sin no more.”
In this example Jesus teaches us about covering the sins of others with love and forgiveness. This does not mean hide the sin but cover the sin to restore the sinner. Jesus is always about restoration through love and forgiveness. It’s why He died for us, so we could be restored to the Father. He is not about condemnation. We are in a time where God is calling us to Him through His love, grace, mercy, and compassion so we can show His love, grace, mercy and compassion to others. However, there will be a time of judgment for the choices we made where His Son, Jesus, is concerned. Now is a time to enter into His grace or we will face His judgment.
Faith Confession:
Thank You Abba Father for Your love, grace, mercy, and compassion toward me. You could have condemned me, causing me to be eternally separated from You because of my sins. Instead, You redeemed me through the blood of Your Son, Jesus. You invited me to salvation and relationship. Thank You that while others may accuse me, You don’t. And thank You for provision to be restored to You when I do sin. 1st John 1:9 – provides forgiveness, Romans 8:1 – reminds me that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, and I am in Him, and Lamentations 3:22-24 – brings me hope because of Your new mercies every day!
Be Encouraged! ❤
Leisa Wilkins Ministries
"Encouraging and Empowering you to become who God created you to be, God's Masterpiece, a Divine Original!"
Pastor | Author | Bible Teacher | Speaker | Encourager