John 8

Here we have the story of the woman taken in adultery. The Pharisees brought this woman to Christ to see what His verdict would be. She had been taken in the act of adultery and the Law commanded her to be put to death. They wanted to see what Jesus would say. This was not an honest interest in the teachings of Jesus, but an attempt to trap Him in His words and find fault with His teachings. Jesus did not immediately answer them, but rather stooped down and wrote in the dust. We are not told what it was that He wrote. Then he told them that any of them who were free from sin, should cast the first stone. Then He wrote on the ground again (possibly a list of their sins). When He stood up, all the Pharisees were gone and only the woman was there. And, He, who was sinless and could have justly condemned her, said, "Neither do I condemn thee, go and sin no more."

What amazing forgiveness! What a relief this poor, penitent sinner! I see here to lessons for us. First, we need to inspect our own lives before we accuse others. It is so easy to see sin and weakness in another person and so hard to see it in ourselves. And, it is often weaknesses that we ourselves have that are the most glaring in others. Second, Jesus has great mercy and forgiveness for all those that repent. This is not a license for us to sin freely. Jesus tells this woman to go and sin no more. Jesus' mercy to not last forever and does not apply to the wanton sinner. It only applies to His people who, when they fail, repent and turn from their sin. Let's always thank the Lord for His great mercy and love to us, poor mortals.