A woman was brought to Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple. (John 8:1-11) The accusers said that she was caught in the act of adultery but did not bring the partner in crime. Lord stooped and wrote on the ground. Then, Lord simply said, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” Guilt-ridden from senior to junior all left. Lord Jesus said to her: “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more. Similarly, Lord warned the man who was healed from 38 years of paralysis. (John 5:14)
1) Caring Redemptive Attitude: Lord looked at the sinful woman with a redemptive attitude. Redemptive approach looks for the slightest hope or potential in a person. Prophet Isaiah foretold that Messiah would not break the bruised reed or quench the faintly burning wick. Instead, he will bring justice. (Isaiah 42:3) Yes, she could change, be redeemed, and lead a holy life. She was given one more chance.
2) Compassionate: Lord looked at her with pity, mercy and grace. Not with anger or wrath or hate. Lord hates sin but loves sinners. Here, Lord is full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)
3) Commandment: Lord also commanded her not to sin again. It was a warning as well as commandment. Lord expected her to change the course or direction of her life. She should willingly flee from all temptations to sin.
4) Challenge: Lord gave a challenge for the woman to face world differently. She should not dwell or weep for her failed past, instead move to future with hope, new resolve, and victory.
Will the Lord command something that is not doable? No, never. Can she lead a life without sin? The Lord mentioned that she should not be comfortable in sin, or always falling into sin. Instead, she should develop a hatred or allergy to sin, so that she flees from sinful life. Certainly, this woman would have become a transformed person.
Do I lead a triumphant life over sin?