January 27, 2025 - John‬ ‭8‬:4‬, ‭5‬, ‭7‬, ‭9‬-‭11‬

“they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”” John 8:4, 5, 7, 9-11 ESV

Jesus, what wisdom you had to know how to not only get around their trying to corner you, but you did so in a way that your love and purposes shone through. Yes, the law came from you but you never intended the law to be something that condemns us, but something to guide and protect us. You are not a God who condemns, but the God who loves to extend grace and forgiveness. You didn’t have to bring punishment to change this woman. We don’t see the rest of her story here, but I would guess the love you extended to her during this interaction, changed her forever.

Jesus, we praise you that you are not a God who is waiting to punish us anytime we mess up. You are not there watching our every move and banging the gavel anytime we break your law. You want us to live a life without sin because it benefits us. Yes, one day you will judge us, and we will give an account for our every sin, but because of your love for us, you gave your life so that we don’t have to be punished for our sin. Wow. Jesus, your love is amazing, and we praise you for mercy. Help us understand that if we are feeling condemned it is not from you. Help us choose the path of righteousness every second of every day.

In Jesus name, amen.