The scene was not that unusual, during Jesus life here on earth, being a typical day in the temple courts, people gathered around Him to hear Him teach. Crowds surrounded the Messiah drinking in every word He had to tell them about Father God and their relationship with him. WHEN OUT OF THE BLUE the Pharisees (the religious teachers of the day) drug a poor, fearful, shamed woman into the midst of the crowd and threw her at the feet of Jesus. The Pharisees, obviously proud of their accomplishment in finding such a sinner, accused this woman of being caught in the act of adultery. I imagine the woman was horrified, expecting to be stoned at any minute, which was the punishment for such an act during that time. However, Jesus did a curious thing: he bent down and started writing in the sand, and one by one, the religious leaders left. One can only imagine what Christ wrote in the sand that day, many have speculated He was listing out the sins of her accusers, but whatever it was, the Pharisees left. Then According to John 8:10 - 11, Jesus asked the pitiable woman (my paraphrase): “where are your accusers, has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one sir.” Jesus said: “Then neither do I condemn you, go now and leave your life of sin.”
What a beautiful illustration of how God deals with His children, out of a heart of love and forgiveness, and not condemnation. I have been a very condemnation-driven Christian, being thrown to the floor daily by my accusers, feeling ashamed and guilt-ridden over everything I have done. Christ offers His loving embrace, encouraging me that I am not condemned, and neither are you! How many stones are being thrown your way today? Your accusers, whoever they may be, are probably trying their best to point out every wrong you have committed, and then DEMANDING a payment for those wrongs; however, Jesus said; “He offers no condemnation for His children.”
I vividly recall the times I have been accused, and I received guilt and condemnation from a variety of sources. Some accusers can even appear to be under the guise of a messenger of God - like the Pharisees. They were the “believed” leaders of the faith - in charge of leading people into a relationship with God; instead they brought burden and condemnation for wrongdoing. Jesus went around being good to people, lifting them up when they were down. The Pharisees were haughty and proud; hating the love Jesus was showing. Do you have any stone- throwers in your life today? Instead of running from them and letting them shame you - run to God, and watch them flee.
Be encouraged today: YOUR ACCUSERS ARE GONE! In God’s eyes, there is no condemnation for anyone who places his or her trust in His Son. Receive this message with all your heart!! Instead of allowing stones to be thrown your way, or stoning yourself to death, allow God to give you a clean slate to enjoy Him and your life.
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