Do You See This Woman?ናሙና

Devotional:

The Woman Jesus Rescued

Today’s story is one of my favorite stories in the Bible. It’s about a woman who found herself in a life-or-death situation, and once again, Jesus showed us why we love Him so very much.

The Pharisees threw this woman in front of a crowd after catching her in the act of adultery. Can you even imagine the trauma and embarrassment she experienced? There she was, stripped of her clothing, dignity, self-worth, and humanity. In her humiliation, she didn’t utter a word or attempt to defend herself. 

The Pharisees had an agenda: They wanted to trap this woman so they could then trap Jesus. If Jesus had said that the woman was innocent, they would’ve accused Him of violating the law. If Jesus had urged them to execute her, they would’ve said that He contradicted His own teaching of mercy and love for sinners. 

This seemed to be a lose-lose situation, and Jesus’s response would determine whether this woman would live or die.

Immediately, Jesus bent down and started writing in the sand with His finger. The Bible doesn’t tell us what exactly He wrote, but some experts believe that He may have been writing out the sins of the Pharisees present. 

When He answered the religious leaders that anyone without sin could throw the first stone, He disqualified them all. He was never going to throw stones or punish this woman. His plan was to rescue her. 

Ultimately, the Pharisees used their fingers to point out the woman’s sin, while Jesus used His to point out her path to freedom. His response didn’t disrespect the law or excuse this woman’s guilt. It simply revealed His mission: to seek and save the lost. 

Jesus always goes after the one who’s lost or in danger. He loves the underdogs, the loners, and the vulnerable. He came on a rescue mission for them—for us. If you also feel trapped in your sin and can’t see a way out, know that Jesus is your help in time of trouble. He’ll lead you into freedom. 

After all, all of us have sinned and need God’s grace. Instead of throwing stones at us, He became the cornerstone for us and laid down His life for us. Not long after He rescued this woman, He too was put before a crowd, mocked, stripped, mistreated, and despised. He understands our pain. 

This woman’s response is the first time we see her speak in this passage. When Jesus asks her if any of her accusers had condemned her, she simply says, “No, Lord.” She knew from this interaction that He was her Lord and Savior. 

I love Jesus’s response: “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” It’s important to note that when Jesus said this, He wasn’t speaking of a lifestyle of perfection. None of us can attain that. He was instructing her to move forward in forgiveness and freedom.

We have to be intentional about leaving our sin behind and pursuing Christ. This doesn’t mean that it’s a quick or easy process. Whether it’s wrong thinking, overeating, lusting, or an addiction, Jesus tells us to go and leave it behind. It can be a daily grind, but freedom is worth it. 

Let’s review what we’ve learned: Christ is your rescuer. He’s full of truth and grace. He stands in the gap between you and your accusers to defend and protect you. Most importantly, He came to set you free from sin and its power over your life!

Ask Jesus today to reveal any sin that’s holding you captive. Once you’ve identified it, lay it at His feet, then choose to move forward in forgiveness and freedom. 

Go and sin no more. 

Reflect:

• How did Jesus show both truth and grace in this situation?
• How can you leave your sin behind and pursue Christ today?