ThinkOnIt Devotions

And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” John 8:11 NKJV

Read John 8:1-11.

Under Mosaic Law committing adultery deserved the death penalty. It was a cruel death by stoning. The Pharisees brought a woman caught in the very act of adultery before Jesus. The Pharisees spoke truth, the woman was an adulterer. Notice how they did it from a judgmental condemning way?

Jesus spoke truth without judgment or condemnation and followed it up with mercy. He says “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” Jesus points out the Pharisees were just as sinful and deserving of death as the woman was! Then Jesus turns to the woman says go and sin no more.

Put yourself in the woman’s place. Imagine what it would have been like to dragged out into the public square, to be made a spectacle of humiliation and shame. Feel the guilt and shame of having your sin exposed before all to see. Knowing the laws of the time, fear creeps as you consider this may be your last moment on earth. Standing there waiting for certain judgment as the rocks start flying towards you. Now, imagine how it feels when Jesus spoke these merciful words: “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”

Mercy and truth go together. Truth is needed before mercy can be accepted. One must know the startling truth before they are open to mercy. We have to understand the gravity of our situation before mercy can be the soothing ointment healing us from our transgressions.

Jesus holds this same mercy out to you and me. Maybe your sin is not that of adultery. One thing is certain, we all sin and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We all need mercy and forgiveness.

So where are you today? Have you heard the truth about your situation? Are you open to mercy?

Dear Lord Jesus, your words are soothing balm healing us from our sins. Help us to hear the truth and turn to you for mercy. May we receive your gracious mercy and be cleansed from all unrighteousness. In your precious name we pray. Amen.

© Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word. For more devotions, bible studies and a recommended book store, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.