DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE GRACE OF JESUS

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE GRACE OF JESUS

"Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst." (John 8:9)

This must have been an amazing scene. One minute, these men were in a rage with stoneS in their hands to bring judgment on this woman who was caught in adultery. The next minute, they were dispersing from the crowd with their heads hanging low. All because of the words of Jesus, both spoken and written in the dust.

Initially, they were incensed by this immoral woman. She clearly should be stoned because that is what the Torah demanded (Leviticus 20:10). But they did not see the sin in their own hearts until Jesus said, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first" (vs. 7). That brought conviction to their own consciences, and one by one they dropped their stones and drifted away, leaving just the woman and Jesus.

There are so many thoughts that arise out of this scene. One is the tendency for us to condemn other people when we ourselves are guilty of sin. Another is the tendency to be selective in our judgments – accusing some while overlooking the sin of others perhaps more influential in the community. Why didn't they bring the man to judgment? Another is the age of the accusers. The older ones left first, maybe because they had more sins stacked up against them than the younger ones. Another is the evidence of the work of the Holy Spirit, who convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8).

But the greatest thing that stands out to me is the grace of the Lord Jesus. "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more." The Lord Jesus saw a repentant heart, and He did not hold her sin over her head like a sword. His forgiveness released her to live a better life.

Other people may condemn me, but their attacks really do not matter. I am answerable to Jesus, and when I come in humility to Him, He forgives, and says "Go on from here to a better way of living." O, what a Savior!!!!

Love, Dad