THE LAW (COMMANDMENTS) BRINGS US TO GRACE

Woman Caught in Adultery

In John 8:1-11, we read about the Pharisees bringing a woman caught in adultery to Jesus in an attempt to tempt Him so they could accuse Him. 

John 8:6 (KJV) states, “This they said, tempting Him, that they might have to accuse Him.” I find Jesus' response interesting. The verse continues, “But Jesus stooped down, and with His finger wrote on the ground, as though He heard them not.”

Then He said, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.”

According to the Law of Moses, she should have been stoned for committing adultery. The passage notes that Jesus stooped down a second time and wrote on the ground again.

I usually like to engage with the text because, “Lord, what?” I try not to lean on my own understanding, I seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance to reveal and teach me His Word.

The Holy Spirit prompted me to look for another instance in the Bible where the finger of God is mentioned. This led me to Exodus 31:18 (KJV), which states, “And He gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon Mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.”

Wow! The finger of God inscribed the Ten Commandments, which formed the foundation of the Law of Moses! The same finger of God that wrote the commandments is the same finger that wrote in the ground, demonstrating that the God who gave the law is the same God who took on flesh to fulfill it.

The law serves as a mirror. It should bring us to the feet of Jesus as we realize we have sinned against a holy, perfect God who is without blemish. 

The purpose of the law is to lead us to grace. We can never be righteous in our own strength. We need to repent (turn away from sin) and return to His loving arms so He can renew our minds, cleanse our hearts and transform our lives. He sanctifies us to become more like Him. We can’t do it on our own.

The Holy Spirit assists us in living a holy life. Jesus never condemns us for our sins but rather corrects us. He told the woman Caught in Adultery to go and sin no more. The religious spirit—the accusing spirit—is evil because it drives people away from God due to their harsh judgement rather than bringing people to Him.

It's so important that we check our hearts. Are we condemning others who are in sin or are we speaking the truth in love?

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the person reading this. Please forgive us for our sins and help us to turn toward You, not away from You. Forgive those who operate in a religious spirit and reveal the truth to them. Jesus, help us to understand the truth of Your Word and fill us with Your Spirit so that we may live a life that glorifies You. Empower us through the Holy Spirit, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Disclaimer: I am not an expert in theology. I’m just sharing what I’ve learned during my personal bible study time. I encourage you to take everything back to the Lord in prayer. If you have any questions regarding accuracy, please conduct your own research or seek wise counsel from the leaders in your church or a respected figure within your community.