Jesus And The Woman Caught In Adultery

By Harrison Woodard

  “When Jesus stood up, He said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

“No one, Lord,” she answered.

“Neither do I condemn you,” said Jesus. “Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.” — John 8:10-11 <HCSB>

Based on John 8:1-11

Jesus was back in Jerusalem at the Temple. The religious leaders dragged a woman to where Jesus was teaching. They had her stand in the midst of the crowd in front of him.

Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?

“This woman was caught in the act of adultery,” said one of the religious leaders. “The Law of Moses says that we should stone her. What do you say?”

Jesus did not even answer them. Instead, he bent down and began writing something in the dirt.

The religious leaders demanded an answer.

Jesus raised up and said, “He who is without sin, cast the first stone.” He then returned to his writing on the ground.

This was an impossible standard. They nervously looked at each other, and then began to leave, starting with the oldest ones first.

After they had all departed, Jesus spoke to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Has no man condemned you?”

“None Lord,” she replied.

“Neither do I. Go, and sin no more,” said Jesus.

Some Things To Think About

If ever there was a chance for Jesus to display God’s wrath, and publicly punish a sinner, this was it. Here was a woman caught in the very act of sexual immorality. Apparently, there were plenty of witnesses based on the crowd of religious leaders that dragged her to Jesus. Instead, you see God’s mercy on full display. God is love. It is His desire to treat everyone as if sin never happened. That, in a nutshell, is why Jesus came – to pay the penalty for mankind’s sin, paving the way for God to have His children back in fellowship. Jesus does not condemn. He came to save. The Holy Spirit and the Word will convict people of sin, helping them to know they need Salvation, or restoration. But it is Satan that condemns and accuses Believers. He is constantly attempting to drive a wedge between all people (saved or unsaved) and God, twisting the Word, tempting them to sin, or deceiving them into believing that God does not love, or will not forgive. That is 100% wrong. No matter what you have done, Jesus can make it right. And even if you miss it, step out of love in some way, don’t wallow in condemnation and self pity. Go to Jesus, repent, and get your fellowship restored immediately with your Heavenly Father. (Isaiah 1:18, 43:25, 53:10-12, Mark 4:13-15, John 10:14-18, 15:9-13, Galatians 3:24-29, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, James 4:7-8, 1 John 1:5-9, 2:1-2, 4:7-13, Revelation 12:10-11)

This is a very short story in the New Testament, but sometimes the shortest ones pack the most revelation. The religious leaders were attempting to trap Jesus. Had he agreed with their plans to stone the woman, he would be violating Roman Law that prevented the Jews from using capital punishment – However, this rarely stopped the religious leaders, note Stephen’s martyrdom (John 18:28-32, Acts 7:54-60). He would have also violated God’s Law of Love. Had he spoken against the Law of Moses, he would have been accused of being a false prophet. This was a very clever trap that Satan had inspired. In a situation like this, Jesus did the very best thing he could. He kept silent. He waited for wisdom from the Father to know exactly what to say, and when to say it. Scripture does not say what he wrote on the ground, although some have speculated that he was listing all the sins of the religious leaders. When the leaders demanded an answer, Jesus gave an answer that quickly diffused the situation. The one that had NO sin, would cast the first stone. Let the reality of that statement sink in. That meant only Jesus could toss the first stone, and that was not going to happen. They were all trapped by their sinful nature. By their very actions, attempting to trap Jesus and kill him, they were condemned. Their desire, or bloodlust, to stone the woman, while ignoring the man that had sinned with her, revealed much about their state of mind. Conviction was heavy on all of them. That standard of perfection was way beyond anyone’s ability without Jesus as their Savior. Starting with the oldest, who probably realized they had the longest rap sheet, down to the youngest, they all walked away. These religious leaders had a zeal for God, but they did not really know Him. This allowed Satan to use them. Even Jesus told them that their father was Satan, the father of lies. Like all folks, they needed a heart transplant, a spiritual rebirth that only comes from being Born Again by faith in Jesus. And even Believers need to renew their minds with the Word, and get rooted and grounded in love, or else they can be used by the devil. Religious hypocrisy and self-righteousness remains a problem even today in some religious circles. You must remember that you can do nothing without Jesus as your Savior. Righteousness is a free gift. Enjoy it while learning to imitate Jesus who is Love personified. (Matthew 7:1-6, Luke 6:35-38, John 8:42-47, Romans 2:28-29, 3:27-28, 5:1-2, 10:1-4, 10:8-10, Galatians 2:19-21, Ephesians 3:17-19, 5:1-5, 1 Timothy 4:1-2, 1 Peter 2:1-4)

All sin at its root, including sexual immorality, can be traced back to a type of idolatry. If you do not believe God capable of supplying your needs, you turn to the world, and your own efforts. You make yourself god over your life and suffer the consequences. There is no need for adultery, if you trust God to provide a loving and desirable spouse. There is no need for selfishness, envy, or jealousy, if you know that God will abundantly supply all your needs. Why be worried or confused, when God promises to be your Wisdom and Light? Fear is no concern when you know the Creator of the Universe has your back. And if you know beyond any doubt that God loves you, you are free to love yourself and others, even when they don’t love you. There is freedom, peace, and joy knowing El Shaddai, The All Sufficient God. How do you know Him? By spending time in His Word, renewing your mind with all God’s promises. The Word is Spirit and Life. Like the body needs bread, your spirit grows by continually consuming the Word. Faith is established by continually hearing the Word. By studying the Word you know the Truth, and the Truth makes you free from the bondage of this world. And as Jesus promised, you are assured of answered prayer and God’s presence when His Word abides in you. (Joshua 1:6-9, Psalm 119:97-104, Proverbs 3:13-18, 4:10-13, Matthew 5:1-12, 6:28-34, Luke 12:27-32, John 1:1-5, 6:60-64, 14:21-26, 15:5-9, Romans 10:17, 12:1-2, Colossians 3:15-17, James 1:22-26, 1 John 1:3-7, 2:15-17)

Faith Building Exercise

Faith comes by continually hearing God’s Word. When you confess (speak) God’s Word out loud you are planting God’s incorruptible seed in your heart (spirit). In time, God’s Word will take root in your spirit (heart) and produce a plentiful harvest of all God’s blessings and promises in your life.

Confess these out loud every day until you believe them in your spirit. They will build your faith. Look up these verses and read them as they appear in your Bible. You can always trust God’s Word because He cannot lie.

I am strong and courageous. I obey God’s Word. I meditate on it day and night and succeed in everything I do. I am not afraid or discouraged. God is with me wherever I go.
(Joshua 1:7-9)

The Words of God are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times. His Word is right and He is trustworthy. He will not break His covenant, or take back a single Word He said. I am Blessed because I hear God’s Word and obey it.
(Psalm 12:6, 33:4, 89:34, Luke 11:28)

I love God’s Word! It is my meditation all day long. His commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for His words are ever before me. I have better understanding and deeper insight than all my teachers, because God’s Word is my meditation.
(Psalm 119:97-99)

I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! He has dressed me with the clothes of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness.
(Isaiah 61:10)

I do not live on bread alone, but on every Word that comes from the mouth of God.
(Matthew 4:4)

I am an honest and good-hearted person. I hear God’s Word and cling to it. I do not let the devil take it from me, or let temptation undermine my joy. Neither do the cares of this world prevent me from patiently producing an abundant harvest.
(Luke 8:11-15)

I do not copy the world’s behavior, or conform to this age. I am transformed by renewing my mind with the Word of God. I know God’s good, acceptable, and perfect will for my life.
(Romans 12:2)

I have been crucified with Christ. I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
(Galatians 2:20)

God is Light and there is no darkness in Him. I walk in the Light and have fellowship with God. The Blood of Jesus cleanses me from every sin.
(1 John 1:5-7)

God is Love and He loves me. I trust Him. I live in Love and God lives in Me. My love is always growing, and I am more and more like Jesus every day. There is no fear in me because mature Love casts out fear.
(1 John 4:15-19)

Thanks for visiting!

Image Source: Free Christian Clip Art

To learn more, click here: Jesus And The Woman Caught In Adultery (Coming Soon)

Search for Other Christian Web Sites.