Neither Do I...

When I read the story of Jesus and the adulterous woman in John 8, it gives me chills.  This is one of those stories where every time I read it another, and often different, truth jumps out at me.  I've wondered what Jesus wrote in the sand.  I've been in awe of the power in His words that caused each man to walk away realizing they too were sinners. I've cried thinking about this poor woman who was tossed in front of a crowd, but then she gets to see Jesus.  And He sees her.

Today, Jesus' words of "Then neither do I condemn you" pierce me.  All of the finger-pointers are gone.  All of the men who could shame her, but had no right to condemn her have left.  Jesus is the only who has the right and He says "neither do I."  Grace.  Grace. Grace.  Let it sink in.

We let others shame us.  If they condemn us, it's because we let them.  They do not have the right.  They are in the same boat as us - all sinners.  Or maybe it's not others, but yourself.  You condemn yourself.  You do not have the right.  Jesus is the only one to live a sinless life and He says, "Neither do I condemn you."

Then, He tells the woman to go and leave her life of sin.  Grace has taken away her condemnation and she is free.  Jesus knows sin entangles and imprisons.  He wants her to walk in freedom from here on out so He says, "No more."

Maybe you need to hear Jesus words in your own life today, "Neither do I condemn you."  He could, but He doesn't.  He loves you.  He wants you to walk in freedom.  He wants you to grab hold of the grace He is offering.

Check out more discussion on this passage at If:Equip.