Jesus chose to forgive, not to condemn.
In John’s Gospel, chapter 8, there’s the story of the woman caught in the act of adultery. The teachers of the Law and the Pharisees brought her in and made her stand before the group(she and Jesus were the focus of attention).
“In the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say”? They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. John 8:5,6
Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with His finger(was He pausing for thought or maybe letting a bit of the heat go out of the situation, not talking). They continued questioning Him until He straightened up and said to them;
“If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her”. Again He stooped to write on the ground.
Jesus did two things in this confrontation with the woman’s accusers.
He refused to enter into any discussion with them. Sometimes the more people speak, the more heated things become and any chance to help is lost( Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues, Prov. 10:19).
He turned the situation back on her accusers, “let the one without sin, throw the first stone”. One of the definitions of the word ‘turn’ is; to change the situation around so that a different part comes to the top or the front. Jesus literally turned the tables on them, their own heart’s motives were now under scrutiny. Not one could stand the test, nor can any of us on own merits. It’s all too easy for us to join the blame game when someone else is the focus of criticism(we become the Pharisees of our day!).
The story has a beautiful ending, the woman remained standing before the Lord. He was the only one who could have justly accused her!
“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you”?
”No-one, sir,” she said.
”Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin”.
God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you.
Father’s Love is a faith based ministry and welcomes your gifts as seed for your own harvest. Please donate on our website
fathersloveministry.co.uk
We also seek prophetic words and give counselling for those desiring personal ministry. Book your appointment on our website above.