No Condemnation with Jesus
Scripture - John 8:1-12
Have you sinned before? If you’re human the answer should be yes. We’ve all sinned. The Bible even says in Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” No one is perfect yet we should strive for perfection daily.
In today’s passage, a woman caught in adultery, in the very act of sin, was brought before Jesus so He could determine her fate based on the law of Moses. What her accusers didn’t know was they brought her to the one who was the conduit of grace. Through Him, the law was fulfilled and we now no longer live by the law but by grace (Romans 6:14).
Can you imagine being in this woman's position? Standing before Jesus fresh out of sin, with every right to be accused, and your accuser(s) standing right there making accusations against you?
Truth be told, we're in this woman's position every time we sin. Our adversary, the devil, takes us before Jesus and plead his case on why we should be condemned. Not only does the adversary condemn us, but so does regret over past mistakes, hurts, failures and sins. They nag at us over and over and over again to try to get us in a place of total despair and hopelessness.
But just as with this lady, Jesus does not condemn us. He looks past our sins and sees our heart. He freely forgives us and extends both Him compassion and love to us. What a way to silence the accusers and inner critic that would always say, “We’re not worthy.” Through His forgiveness, Jesus has made us worthy. Accusations cannot and will not condemn us. Our only just is to do as Jesus instructs this woman, “...go and sin no more” (v.11).
Journal
- What (if any) past sins, failures and mistakes are you holding on to allowing you to feel condemned?
- Why are you holding on to those past sins, failures, and mistakes?
- Spend time today asking Jesus to forgive you. Then spend time forgiving yourself. Somethings you can be your only accuser. Let go of all the guilt and shame once and for all and receive Jesus’ love for you.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. -1 John 1:9, HSCB
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