Let’s talk about the woman caught in adultery

by Joy Ehonwa

woman-caught-in-adultery

This is the first truth that set this woman free as she left God’s presence. Even though men condemned her, God did not. To be condemned is to be found guilty- unfit for use.

John 8:1-11 tells the story of a woman who was caught in bed with her lover. The Law as documented in Leviticus 20:10 states that a woman who is found in bed with a man other than her husband should be brought before the people, WITH the man, and both of them stoned to death.

However, those wily Pharisees were not interested in enforcing the law. They actually came to test Jesus. Whether they deliberately let the man escape, we are not told. We only see that they brought the woman alone before Jesus for judgement.

In an amazing twist, Jesus asks the person who is without sin to cast the first stone. One by one, every one of them drops their stone and leaves, until only the woman was left standing before Jesus.

Let’s look at 5 important things this adulteress learned when she faced the Light of the World.

1. God had not condemned her

This is the first truth that set this woman free as she left God’s presence. Even though men condemned her, God did not. To be condemned is to be found guilty- unfit for use. When God does not condemn, He convicts.

John 16:7, 8: “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment…”

Condemnation leads to death. It says that there is no way out of this; this is the end, there is no hope.

Conviction leads to life. It brings about a consciousness of sin, but also a ray of hope; a way out.

2. No one is righteous – absolutely no one.

She waited and waited for the perfect ones, the ones she had placed “high up”, to throw a stone at her. She learned instead that we are all potential candidates for the grace of God. All have sinned. All need grace.

3. She didn’t need to justify herself before God

And neither do you. She could have spoken- “It’s my first time, I’ve never done this before.” “You only have to know this man, he is so wonderful, I didn’t stand a chance.” “We were two caught in the crime, why am I the only one here? Isn’t it obvious what they’re trying to do?” But she chose not to speak, only answering Jesus’ question. By choosing not to defend herself, she opened herself up to grace.

Proverbs 28:13- People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.

Psalm 32: 1, 2- Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the LORD does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.

Psalm 85:2- You forgave the guilt of your people–yes, you covered all their sins.

Let God do the covering up for you. When you allow Him to cover you, He will, and so completely!

4. God knew there was something great inside of her.

The God of Abraham the idol worshipper, Moses the murderer, Saul the persecutor of the church, does not see your mess when He looks at you- he sees a diamond. That’s why He is God. He sees you as a chosen vessel- His chosen vessel.

He believed in who this woman could be if given a chance- a better person. And so, He gave her another opportunity, another chance.

5. “Go, and Sin No More” is possible.

If it wasn’t, He wouldn’t have said it. Grace makes it possible. Grace doesn’t just forgive, it empowers. The grace of Jesus went with her as the spoken word came to her. It was not just an instruction; it was a benediction. In the fight against sin and the flesh, you are not alone. His grace is made perfect in our weakness, in our frailty, in our lowest state. He is a VERY PRESENT HELP in time of need. When He sends us out He knows we will be tempted again- and He does not leave us helpless.

Grace is God’s support system for those who have fallen. Thank God for grace!

 

– Read more: Vine Magazine

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Joy Ehonwa is a writer and freelance copy editor. She tweets via @joysuo about Jesus, Relationships, Books, Music and Poetry.

 

Op-ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija.

One comment

  1. WORD!!! Even in our lowest state GOD still sees us as his diamond…he sees us as his own chosen vessel, nd dat is y he(GOD) as made his grace sufficient 4 us. Thank u so much 4 dis message.

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