Updated and Re-posted: Neither do I condemn you…
20th March 2007
The story of the encounter between Jesus, the Pharisees and the woman taken in the act of adultery in the eighth chapter of John contains powerful lessons for us today. Imagine being in the place of this woman, probably half-naked, baring your body and soul to the world, caught at the point of shame, misery and rejection. Condemned by society, outcast by community and condemned by the tribunal. There you are standing before the Holy One, in front of the world, alone, naked, and ashamed. Around you fingers are pointing, chins are waging, head are shaking. Sneered upon, pitied and despised.
In a powerful demonstration of unconditional love, the Christ shows the accusing religious mob what He is about. None of the accusers could do continue. They retreated one by one until it was just the woman standing there before the Savior.
“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
Powerful words that touches the soul of the one who was tormented, outcast and defenseless only moments earlier. No longer is she accused. Isn’t this the experience of repentance?
Repentance is not solely a human response to God’s mercy and grace. It is a change in position from one under judgment, to one redeemed. It is a change to realize the full force of transformation love - for He has forgiven you and you no longer stand accused. Read the rest of this entry »
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