“3The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst 4they said to him, ‘Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery.’” — John 8:3-4 (ESV)
This woman had been caught in the act of sin, and as I read, she does not refute that at all. She was brought before Jesus to receive her just punishment based on the law of Moses.
I know that I have been caught in the act of breaking the law of man. Whereas I will defend myself to the fullest, I will generally not refute that I acted in such a way. I will take the punishment of man for the actions taken in line with the law of God (although, not here to discuss those merits).
Sin is sin, and whether we are caught in the act by others or we seem to get away with it, we are still responsible to God. In this passage, the woman was caught in sin and should be punished under the law of man. Jesus however turns the tables on those who bring her to task. He asks them to examine themselves for sin in their own lives and if there is none, then they are free to judge this woman on her sin. As they examine, there is not one of them that is without sin and therefor they leave the woman with the one who was without sin, Jesus.
“10Jesus stood up and said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ 11She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.’” — John 8:10-11 (ESV)
Now Jesus had every right to condemn the woman as she clearly did not refuter her sin, and that sin was directly against Jesus. Yet, He demonstrates His love and compassion by allowing the woman to repent and sin no more. Jesus does not condemn the woman based on past sin, He loves her and with her repentance she is spared additional punishment.
Even as a Christian, I am still a sinner. There is no reason to hide from it as God knows and even knew before we committed the sin. I do have the opportunity to repent of that sin, even when caught in the act. With my repentance, God does not condemn me, He shows compassion and love for me and allows me to move forward.
What sins have you committed in life? Are you trying to hide from, or get away with them? What if you were to accept the sin you have committed and repent knowing that God will not condemn you, even when you have been caught in the act?
Trevor's Thoughts 