Where Are Your Accusers?

John 8:1–11

They brought her to Jesus at probably one of the most humiliating moments of her life. She had been caught in adultery, there was no hiding what she had done, and the religious leaders placed her in front of everyone and began explaining why she deserved judgment. But they weren’t really interested in helping this woman. They were using her and her failure as a way to trap Jesus.

Jesus eventually looked at the crowd and said, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” One by one, the stones never flew and her accusers began to walk away. Then Jesus looked at the woman and asked, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” She answered, “No one, Lord.”

Jesus responded with something she probably never expected that morning: grace and another chance. He told her, “Neither do I condemn you; go. From now on sin no more.” Jesus didn’t pretend that her sin didn’t matter. In fact, He loved her too much to leave her there. But He also refused to allow the worst moment of her life to become her identity.

That’s the beauty of grace. Jesus doesn’t tell us that our past doesn’t matter; He tells us that our past doesn’t have to own our future. Maybe you’ve been carrying around stones that nobody is throwing anymore. Shame keeps reminding you of who you were while Jesus is calling you toward who you can become. His grace doesn’t give us permission to remain where we are—it gives us the freedom to get up and walk somewhere new.

Today’s thought: Am I still condemning myself for something Jesus is asking me to leave behind?

Circle up!

Shannon Formby, Founder of My Faith Journey

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