The Women Who Met JesusSample

Will Jesus Forgive Me?

Imagine being caught in the act of a capital offense in first-century Israel. In John Chapter 8, we are introduced to someone whom we only know as “the adulterous woman”. She was caught red-handed doing something that instantly proclaimed her guilt and rendered an immediate death sentence (Leviticus 20:10). To add to the severity of the situation, she was also publicly humiliated and shamed for her offense.

John tells us that the men who brought this woman before Jesus were not interested in justice. This woman was simply a prop they were using to trap Jesus. If Jesus punished her, the crowds He attracted would stop seeing Him as compassionate. But if He let her off, He would only prove that He had no respect for God’s law. His brilliant response undermined the Pharisees’ intentions, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone”. The Pharisees were not sinless, and Jesus knew it. They ended up leaving the scene one by one.

In a touching moment, Jesus turned to the woman and asked her where her accusers were, and then He told her that He was not going to accuse or charge her and she should, “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11).

Jesus offers us the same unearned forgiveness through His death and resurrection. He releases us from humiliation, guilt and shame. Just like this woman caught in adultery, He encourages us to embrace salvation and grace by leaving sin behind.

The Bible tells us that when we confess, Jesus is faithful to forgive us (1 John 1:9–10). Much like the woman in John 8, we do not have to be remembered for our moments of weakness and vulnerability. We do not have to live a life of guilt and shame. We can be forgiven and redeemed children of God.

Reflection: Take a moment to prayerfully confess your sins and ask Jesus for forgiveness. Then, spend some time praising Jesus for His salvation.