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- Oct 26, 2007
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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?" John 8:4-5 ESV
“Guilty as charged”—no doubt about it. Dragged weeping from her bedroom to the temple grounds, she needed no lawyer—because she had no excuse. God’s law clearly commanded, “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14). She couldn’t deny the sordid facts.
Of course, the religious leaders cared little for the woman’s fate. They cared even less for Moses’ law that required punishing both the woman and the man caught in adultery (Leviticus 20:10). Their evil purpose: trap Jesus after demanding that He pass judgment on her behavior.
They thought they had Him either way. But Jesus ignored their twisted game, stooped down, and wrote out His verdict. After realizing their sins had been exposed, they quickly slipped from the crowd. Jesus kept writing on the ground. The adulterous woman sat there quietly as the Lord spoke to her heart. Her epiphany: Jesus cared as much about not breaking God’s law as about not breaking God’s heart. Quietly, she repented.
When He stood up, Jesus declared her forgiven and cleansed—a new woman. But what about the other adulterer—the man?
Prayer: Unwavering God, please forgive me for my adulterous heart, which is anything but wholeheartedly in love with You. I’m so sorry, Lord.
“Guilty as charged”—no doubt about it. Dragged weeping from her bedroom to the temple grounds, she needed no lawyer—because she had no excuse. God’s law clearly commanded, “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14). She couldn’t deny the sordid facts.
Of course, the religious leaders cared little for the woman’s fate. They cared even less for Moses’ law that required punishing both the woman and the man caught in adultery (Leviticus 20:10). Their evil purpose: trap Jesus after demanding that He pass judgment on her behavior.
They thought they had Him either way. But Jesus ignored their twisted game, stooped down, and wrote out His verdict. After realizing their sins had been exposed, they quickly slipped from the crowd. Jesus kept writing on the ground. The adulterous woman sat there quietly as the Lord spoke to her heart. Her epiphany: Jesus cared as much about not breaking God’s law as about not breaking God’s heart. Quietly, she repented.
When He stood up, Jesus declared her forgiven and cleansed—a new woman. But what about the other adulterer—the man?
Prayer: Unwavering God, please forgive me for my adulterous heart, which is anything but wholeheartedly in love with You. I’m so sorry, Lord.
