Rightly Accused, But Not Condemned

I was reading in John this morning where the scribes and Pharisees, in an effort to trap Jesus, bring to him a women caught in adultery, and ask if they should put her to death as required by Jewish law?? Jesus’ answer to them was “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her (John 8:7).” One by one the stones were dropped and the crowd dispersed until there was none remaining, except for Jesus and the woman. Jesus than says to her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” She said “No one, Lord.” Then Jesus looked at her and said, “Neither do I condemn you; go. From now on sin no more (John 8:10-12).” Wow, what amazing words. By law the people did have the right to put her to death. And Christ, holy and righteous, had every right to condemn her. Yet, he says to her, “I condemn you not”.

I’ve read this story before, but for some reason, Christ’s words stood out so much more to me this morning. I wondered how many times Satan had come before the threshold of Heaven and hurled accusations about me at Christ. Not accusing me with lies, but with true things that I’ve done. Things, that Christ would be totally righteous in punishing me for. Yet, through His kindness, Christ has looked at him (though grieved by my sin) and declared, “Yes! I know, but My blood covers it, and I will not condemn her.” What grace and mercy we have in our Savior. How amazing that a holy and sinless God would look at us, in our sin, and chose to only see His Son. How amazing, that instead of bringing punishment, He declares us righteous. What grace, what mercy. May that realization bring us to the place of utter surrender, that our desire would be (through His strength and powder) to go and sin no more.

Below is a story, written by Josh Harris, that I first read a few years ago. It's called "The Room" and I know it's something we can all relate to. If you can watch short videos, please watch it (it's so powerful in media form) by clicking here, if not, please continue scrolling down for the story in written form. Blessings!