May 4
Finding forgiveness
Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. John 8:3 (NKJV)
It stands as one of the most humiliating scenes in scripture. A woman is caught committing adultery with a man (who is conspicuously absent) and dragged into the temple courts where many had gathered to hear Jesus teach.
We don’t need to use much imagination to get a sense of the shame she must have felt. Did she have a chance to get dressed? Was she desperately clutching a sheet or some makeshift covering for her nakedness? We don’t know, but regardless of her outward condition, her heart was undoubtedly brought to a new place of degradation.
The temple was considered the heart of all that was holy, so it was the last place a “sinner” like this woman would want to be. Not only that, she was surrounded by the religious rulers who were eager to dissect her guilt in the most public way possible. If you’ve ever felt that you didn’t belong somewhere, it can’t even compare to what this woman was experiencing.
But Jesus silences her accusers, and eventually the two of them are left alone. See what happens next:
When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” (John 8:10-11 NKJV)
With the religious mob pressing in on her, she was condemned. But once she was alone with Jesus, she heard the gentle words of forgiveness that can only come from Him.
Many of us find it difficult to let go of our guilt. But when we’re alone with the Lord, when we aren’t surrounded by the accusations and agendas of others, it’s then that we’re most able to hear Him forgive us. If you’re in a season of separation, whether by your own choice or not, let it be a season where you’re listening to His gentle whispers of forgiveness.
Think About It…
What does this passage reveal to me about God?
What does this passage reveal to me about myself?
Based on this, what changes do I need to make?
What is my prayer for today?
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