The story of the woman who was caught in adultery has a lot of teaching points in it, the most common of which is giving grace to others because we, ourselves, are mess up too. The famous quote from that story is Jesus saying “Let any on e of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7). We need to be gracious to others because we are not different than them.
However, I’d like to call your attention to the symbolism of this moment. This woman had been adulterous, and according to the law, she must be put to death according to Deut 22:22 and Lev 20:10. That kind of sin was not to pervade the people of Israel where God’s presence dwelled. She knew the law. She had broken the law. And now she was about to get what was justified. Death.
We are the adulterous woman. We are the bride of Christ and yet we go around cheating on Him with other things. Pridefulness, self-sufficiency, lust for power, lust for flesh, greed, selfishness. Our adultery comes in many forms. But regardless, the law is clear: we are to be put to death (Romans 6:23).
With the woman thrown at His feet, Jesus was the only one who had the qualification to stone her. But he didn’t. “Neither do I condemn you…Go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:11).
We have been caught in a life of adultery towards God. But instead of putting us to death, God offers forgiveness and urges us to leave our lives of sin.
Today, may you thank God for His mercy and resolve to leave the sins that come before the Lord.