From my reading in John 8:1-27 in the One Year New Testament.

Jesus was teaching in the temple and the religious leaders brought a woman caught in the act of adultery in front of Jesus. The man was no where to be found, which proves that they had no intention of actually seeking justice. They were trying to trap Jesus by putting him in a hard situation.

Jesus took his time before speaking, which is a principle we can apply. When someone asks you a hard question it is ok to think about what a wise answer would be before blurting something out and ending up on the internet. They kept on badgering him for answer, so he stood up and said,

“Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” John 8:7

One by one everyone left because they realized they all have sinned. It is interesting that the oldest were the first to leave, and most aware of their sinfulness.

Until you realize you own sinfulness you won’t be willing to offer grace to others. Those that understand their need for forgiveness are able to offer forgiveness to others.

We should not think of ourselves as better than others just because we struggle with different sins than they do.

Jesus, who was the only one actually without sin went to the woman and said.

“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” John 8:10–11

Jesus accepts us as we are,

but loves us to much to let us stay that way!  

It is important to realize that Jesus did not overlook her sin, he forgave her. As followers of Jesus was are not called to excuse sin, but humbly offer the forgiveness of Jesus to those willing to repent and leave their life of sin.

Jesus did not tolerate the woman’s sin, he died for it.  Jesus was able to forgive the sin because he was about to die for that sin. He then challenged her to leave her lifestyle of sin. 

Some people say that Christians should never “judge” meaning that we should never call sin what it is. But if we did that we would not the following Jesus.

Jesus called sin what it is, then died for it!  As his followers we should humble offer his forgiveness to all who would turn from their sin and choose to follow Him!

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