The Woman Caught in Adultery

The woman caught in adultery is a famous passage found in John 8. We can see Jesus caring and ability to see humble people with love.

The teachers of the law desiring to trap Jesus brought out a woman caught in adultery.

They had their own system and did not need Jesus, so this was blatant politics.

It was also using the Bible to accomplish ‘our’ purposes. We all have risk of this.

The teachers did not come to Jesus seeing him as the Messiah.  They knew that the Romans forbid the Jews from carrying out the death penalty. But God commanded the death penalty for the sin of adultery. (Interestingly, Jesus, in the beatitudes  and the Sermon on the Mount indicated we are all adulterers.). So, they as always, and the text notes, they wanted to trap and discredit him.

So Jesus can show mercy to the humbled sinner as opposed to the proud and unrepentant religious leaders.

In this story, first see Jesus sense of justice and wisdom as they all knew the Bible said both must be present. He let them condemn themselves. Then, he shows mercy by not criticizing the women. He also does not discount her sin and tells her, with respect, to change.

We Can Be the Woman Caught in Adultery

How is our heart? I think we all want Jesus to treat us as he treated that woman. First, let me note that Old Testament law was tough and shows God hates sin. He still does.

Can we see how deeply loved we are and how far we are from holiness? Pride has no place in the Kingdom of God. God loves us, and we have no need to prove ourselves. Can we walk forth in love when Jesus says, go on your way and sin no more?

When we can see that we are all that woman when we are repentant, then, we are well. Humbled, we are ready to meet with God who just wants to hold us.