"The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and, making her stand before all of them, they said to him,
“Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery.""John 8:3-4
Imagine for a moment the scene. A woman caught red-handed, guilty as charged, thrust into the spotlight, her shame on full display. However, let's indulge the possibilities. Perhaps today, it's not an adulterous woman. Maybe it's an alcoholic stumbling out of a three-day haze or a gossip caught relishing juicy secrets. It might be a liar tangled in webs of deceit or a thief sneaking away with stolen treasure. The sin changes, but the reaction of the world? It remains predictably harsh.
The world's response? Swift judgment and stern sentences. We rush the guilty off to righteousness boot camp, enroll them in ten-step programs to perfection, and leave them trapped, helplessly staring into mirrors that reflect only flaws. We grade them mercilessly, measure their worth by their worst moments, and drown them in gallons of guilt and oceans of shame.
But look at Jesus. Watch closely, for His response is breathtakingly different.
"Woman," He gently asks, "where are your accusers? Has no one condemned you?"
Her voice, trembling, replies, "No one, Lord."
Then come the words, soft yet powerful, washing over her soul: "Neither do I condemn you. Go, and sin no more."
Ah, mercy. Sweet, anxiety-melting mercy. Not condemnation, but compassion. Not punishment, but grace. Offered freely by Jesus to a broken woman two thousand years ago, and still offered, today, freely to you and I.
Have you accepted this mercy? Have you let His grace wash away your shame and calm your anxious heart? If not, friend, why not now? Jesus stands ready, arms open wide, waiting for you to step into the peace only He can give. Have a great week! -Pastor Corey