Jesus Forgives the Adulterous Women

John 8:8–11
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Jesus bent over and began writing on the ground (v. 8). The people left one by one, beginning with the oldest (v. 9). Finally, Jesus and the woman were there alone (v. 10). Jesus then asked her, “Where is everyone? Isn’t there anyone left to accuse you,” and she said no. We need to be careful that we do not misinterpret this event to mean that Jesus was “easy on sin” or that He contradicted the Law. He simply refused to condemn her, knowing that she did not need that, since her own heart condemned her. His motive was to assure her of forgiveness and to let her know that she could have a new and better life. For Jesus to forgive this woman meant that He had to one day die for her sins. Forgiveness is free but it is not cheap. Jesus also perfectly fulfilled the Law so that no one could justly accuse Him of opposing its teaching.

The law was given to reveal sin (Rom. 3:20) and we must realize that we are condemned by the Law before we can be cleansed by God’s grace. Law and grace never compete with each other but instead they complement each other. No one has ever been saved by keeping the Law but neither has anyone ever been saved by grace who was not first indicted by the Law. There must be conviction before there can be conversion.

Jesus told the woman to “to go and sin no more!” (v. 11) Once we are forgiven our desire should be to live a holy and obedient life to the glory of the Lord realizing all that He has done. We need to recognize our sinful nature, and look for ways to help others rather than hurt them.

Application

I can remember when I was first convicted by the fact I was a sinner and condemned to die and go to Hell. My first reaction to this conviction was that of remorse. I am so thankful that the Lord was patient with me and that He sent his Holy Sprit to convict and convince me of my need for Him as my Savior.