Lately, God has been placing the words "sin no more" in my heart. So I decided to obey His instruction and go back to the verses in order to truly comprehend what He wanted me to understand. Almost instinctively, I connect the words with the woman caught in adultery in John chapter 8.
We have all read this story and have heard a sermon or two on it. However, what God wanted me to understand are the many lessons found in that story that we face in our everyday life as people, especially as believers.
The chapter begins with Jesus teaching a group of people at the temple, and then, all of a sudden, this woman is brought to him in front of everyone.
Now, I am sure that we can all somewhat relate or at least imagine the picture painted.
It wasn't enough to be called out for your mistakes, to have your sin exposed in public, and to have someone or people bring it up in front of someone you respect. It was not enough that she was caught in sin; her sin and disgrace were revealed for all to see. What makes the situation worse is that you can actually imagine the cruel words that were not only thought about her but vocalized.
So here we find a woman who might have transgressed in this manner for the first time, or maybe being unfaithful had become part of her life; nonetheless, her secret sin was now exposed. If you have ever made a mistake or sinned, you will comprehend the remorse and shame that almost cripple you when you realize that you cannot take it back and press undo.
Now visualize having to realize and acknowledge that shame in front of a multitude of people that are ready to stone you to your death. Yes, in our day and age, people are not stoned to death for their sins, but in a figurative manner, they are still disgraced, stripped naked for all to see, and then stoned by all who regard their secret sin as worthy of the penalty.
In this story, we find the sinner in their moment of shame, the accuser ready to condemn, and we find Jesus, whom they attempt to entrap by the law they know is written. There were so many dynamics shown and characteristics of the human personality challenged.
Shame and regret; having their sin exposed to everyone; the accuser wanting Jesus to uphold the law while being unaware of their own hypocrisy and sin; willing to cause another shame and humiliation; they, too, would be afraid of having their sins exposed in broad daylight.
Through this woman's sin, Jesus doesn't merely want to teach us that His forgiveness and mercy know no boundaries, but that we should walk in the shoes of others.
As much as God expects us not to entertain sin and sinful behaviour, he still does expect us to deal with others as we would want them to deal with our shameful sins. It is as though Christ is saying: "You are correct, the law does demand a penalty, death by shame and stones; however, are you worthy to truly petition that punishment?" We all know what her sin is, but are you truly willing to face the penalty for your sins to the exact degree you rejoice over hers? "
We see that Christ was again reminding us that who are we to bring the sins of others to Him to judge, as though He does not clearly see? Are we perfect and holy enough to dare tell God to render judgment on his servant?
Jesus was reminding us to reflect on our own lives and walk. Another lesson to be learned from this story is to appreciate God's mercy. We too deserved death. However, Christ stood up for us against our accuser, Satan. In light of all our imperfections and sins, known and unknown to others, we find ourselves in a special place, at the hands of a forgiving and merciful Savior.
May this knowledge allow you to hear his voice, even in a crowd that condemns you.
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