The religious leaders interrupted Jesus' teaching in the temple by bringing a woman caught in adultery. They asked Jesus to judge her (4-5). They intended to trap Jesus by forcing him to take a stand against the law. Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger, maybe to calm down the heated situation. When the questioning persisted, Jesus said, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her" (7). Jesus sided with Moses. His verdict was that the woman was guilty-but so were they. Jesus' words exposed their hypocrisy and pricked their conscience until they left, one by one, until only Jesus was left.

No one can condemn others, for no one is righteous (Ro 2:1). Jesus is the only person who could condemn her, but he didn't condemn her. Rather, he forgave her and set her free from the guilt and condemnation of sin (11a). Jesus was condemned in our place and bore all our sins in his body (1 Pe 2:24; Gal 3:13). Jesus came not to condemn but to save (3:17; 12:47). Forgiveness enables us to live a new life. We find forgiveness of sin and a new life only in Jesus (Ro 8:1-3)!


Application: Lord, thank you for your forgiving love that enables me to live a new life. Help me remember your grace and follow you leaving a life of sin.
One Word: Jesus forgives, not condemns!