In John 8:10-11, we witness one of the most compassionate and transformative moments in the New Testament. A woman caught in adultery is brought before Jesus by the religious leaders, who seek to test Him. According to the Law of Moses, her sin was punishable by death. Yet, Jesus responds not with condemnation, but with mercy, grace, and the assurance that she is forgiven.
John 8:10-11 The New International Version
10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
11 “No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
A Moment of Grace
This passage reveals the heart of Jesus—full of compassion and slow to anger, as described in Psalm 103:8. The woman’s guilt was not in question; she had been caught in the act of sin. Yet, Jesus did not focus on her guilt or shame. Instead, He redirected the attention away from condemnation and toward redemption.
When Jesus asked her, “Has no one condemned you?” He was inviting her to see that all her accusers had left. The crowd that had gathered to stone her had dispersed after Jesus’ profound words: “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7). In this moment, He exposed the hypocrisy of those ready to condemn but unwilling to examine their own hearts.
The Power of Mercy Over Judgment
Jesus’ response to the woman is a powerful example of how mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13). He didn’t ignore her sin or pretend it didn’t matter. Instead, He acknowledged it but chose mercy over retribution. His words—“Neither do I condemn you”—are a reflection of His mission on earth: to save, not to condemn (John 3:17).
This moment teaches us that God’s grace is always greater than our failures. No matter how far we’ve fallen or how deep our sins may be, Jesus offers us forgiveness and a chance for a new beginning. He doesn’t define us by our mistakes but by His love for us.
A Call to Transformation
After offering forgiveness, Jesus tells the woman, “Go now and leave your life of sin.” This is not just an invitation to escape punishment; it’s a call to transformation. Jesus’ mercy is not a license to continue living in sin but an opportunity to turn away from it and embrace a new life.
In this way, forgiveness becomes a catalyst for change. When we experience God’s grace, we are empowered to leave behind the things that separate us from Him. It’s important to note that while Jesus forgives freely, He also calls us to live differently—to walk in righteousness and holiness.
Application for Our Lives
This story speaks directly to each of us today. Many times, we find ourselves feeling condemned—either by others or by our own hearts. We may carry guilt over past mistakes or feel unworthy of God’s love. Yet, just as He did with the woman caught in adultery, Jesus meets us with compassion.
1 John 1:9 reminds us: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Like the woman in this passage, we can come before God with our brokenness and receive His forgiveness.
But forgiveness is only part of the journey. Just as Jesus called her to leave her life of sin, He calls us too—to turn away from behaviours or attitudes that harm ourselves and others—and pursue a life that reflects His love and grace.
Forgiving Ourselves
One aspect often overlooked in this passage is the challenge of forgiving ourselves after we’ve received God’s forgiveness. Many struggle with lingering guilt or shame even after knowing they’ve been forgiven by God. If Jesus Himself does not condemn us, why should we continue condemning ourselves?
Romans 8:1 assures us: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” When we hold onto self-condemnation, we deny the power of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Forgiving ourselves allows us to fully embrace God’s grace and move forward in freedom.
Read More About This Devotional
Words of Wisdom: Forgiveness, a Gift You Give Yourself
Quote of the Day: “God has never seen a man He can’t forgive”: Understanding God’s Infinite Forgiveness
Conclusion: A Message of Hope
The story of the woman caught in adultery is more than just an account of mercy; it’s a message of hope for all who feel weighed down by sin or condemnation. In this moment with Jesus, we see that no one is beyond redemption. His love reaches into our darkest places and brings light.
If you’re feeling condemned today—whether by others or by your own heart—remember these words from Jesus: “Neither do I condemn you.” Let His grace wash over you, freeing you from guilt and empowering you to walk in newness of life.
Take comfort in knowing that God’s love for you is unconditional and unwavering. And as you receive His forgiveness, may you also find the strength to forgive yourself and others.
Scripture reading for the day
Song of Songs 2 The New International Version
She
I am a rose of Sharon,
a lily of the valleys.He
2 Like a lily among thorns
is my darling among the young women.She
3 Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest
is my beloved among the young men.
I delight to sit in his shade,
and his fruit is sweet to my taste.
4 Let him lead me to the banquet hall,
and let his banner over me be love.
5 Strengthen me with raisins,
refresh me with apples,
for I am faint with love.
6 His left arm is under my head,
and his right arm embraces me.
7 Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you
by the gazelles and by the does of the field:
Do not arouse or awaken love
until it so desires.8 Listen! My beloved!
Look! Here he comes,
leaping across the mountains,
bounding over the hills.
9 My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag.
Look! There he stands behind our wall,
gazing through the windows,
peering through the lattice.
10 My beloved spoke and said to me,
“Arise, my darling,
my beautiful one, come with me.
11 See! The winter is past;
the rains are over and gone.
12 Flowers appear on the earth;
the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves
is heard in our land.
13 The fig tree forms its early fruit;
the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.
Arise, come, my darling;
my beautiful one, come with me.”He
14 My dove in the clefts of the rock,
in the hiding places on the mountainside,
show me your face,
let me hear your voice;
for your voice is sweet,
and your face is lovely.
15 Catch for us the foxes,
the little foxes
that ruin the vineyards,
our vineyards that are in bloom.She
16 My beloved is mine and I am his;
he browses among the lilies.
17 Until the day breaks
and the shadows flee,
turn, my beloved,
and be like a gazelle
or like a young stag
on the rugged hills.
