THE WOMAN TAKEN IN ADULTERY

In the eighth chapter of John we have the story of a woman begin brought to Jesus of whom it was said was taken in the act of adultery. To tempt him into forsaking the law of Moses, they asked him the question, “They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?” (John 8:4-5).

This story has been used in this present time to contend that we must not judge any one even one who is guilty of adultery. This teaches no such thing. Jesus didn’t answer them at first which might be telling us not to be too hasty in jumping to conclusions. After a little while he made the statement, “... He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her” (John 8:7)

According to the law there had to be two accusers. Their conscience condemned them and one by one they passed out and there was not left no accuser.

Jesus then told the woman, “,,, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man

condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:10-11).

Jesus was acting in harmony with the law. Their law said that there must be two witnesses. His only knowledge of the incident was hearsay. There were no witnesses. According to law she was free to go. They Lord said “go” but further warned her, :”sin no more>” He realized that she was guilty, but he had no witnesses so he recognized her sin and admonished her, :sin no more.”

Return to the Daily Devotionals