When the Pharisees brought the woman caught in adultery to Jesus, they reminded Him of the law, saying, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?” (Jn 8:4–5). They thought that they had succeeded in trapping Jesus because if He told them to stone her, then they would accuse Him of not demonstrating the forgiveness and grace that He had been preaching about. If He were to say that they should not stone her, then they would accuse Him of breaking the law of Moses and bring a charge against Him. Now, adultery is a sin, and Jesus had every right to say, “Stone her!” But knowing that He would soon hang on the cross and pay for the woman’s sin in His own body, Jesus was able to uphold the perfect standard of the law, love the sinner and silence her accusers. And He did all three in style with just one sentence—“He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first” (Jn 8:7). Demonstrating His infinite wisdom and grace, Jesus simply challenged the person who was perfect before the law to cast the first stone. Pricked by their conscience, the Pharisees who had come to ensnare Jesus began to walk away one by one, completely silenced. Once He was alone with the woman, He turned His attention to her and with eyes full of love and compassion, He asked, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She answered, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” Beloved, today the Lord offers you the same gift of no condemnation. He can because He has already paid for all your sins at the cross. This gift will empower you to live a victorious life, one that glorifies Jesus. Will you receive His gift today?
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