She Was Caught In The Action

A Jewish woman was caught doing sex outside of marriage in the context of a prostitution lifestyle. I can’t imagine the emotions she went through when they caught her naked in a very intimate intercourse scenario. Maybe that woman went through her day as everyday feeling secure and safe that she will do her thing as usual, get paid and leave home. Little did she know that day was life-changing for her.

The reason she was caught in the action was to test Jesus Christ big time. Facing all the religious leaders and community back then, will Jesus contradict the laws of Moses by sparing her life or will he agree with them and kill the woman?

The case is so clear, she must die, according to them. Jesus, what do you say? They want to catch Jesus in the action too, this time if he breaks the laws, we will kill him too along with the woman!

Jesus was silent for a moment. Pressure and intensity filled the atmospheres. All eyes and ears were toward Jesus. Religion was beholding Jesus not to change into his image but to change Jesus into their image!

… The final verdict was released from Heaven. Jesus heard his Father! It was the same life-giving wisdom that king Solomon operated in to spare the life of a newborn baby and gave him back to his real mother. There was greater than Solomon, WISDOM himself Jesus Christ!

“But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” John 8:7

In this religious crowd, Jesus was the only one without sin among them. He could have stoned her to death easily after his statement to show them all that he is the righteous one, the lamb of God, it was his chance. But it was not about him, it was about saving and redeeming that precious struggling lady. If you had a big life chance opportunity to prove to others that you are so right versus promoting love and life, what do you choose? Knowledge kills but love builds.

“When they heard it, they began to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones, and He was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the center of the court.” John 8:9

Wow, beginning with the older ones! It is a misconception to think that elders are holier than the youngsters. In this case, the older ones left the place of judgment. It is good that they were aware of being sinners but it is sad that they left quickly back to home with their sin. They too had the chance to repent, be forgiven and redeemed. Yet by holding to their sin, they stoned themselves out of God’s presence and mercy.

“Straightening up, Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.” John 8:10-11

That day the Lord gave her another chance. Sinners will be the first to enter the kingdom as Jesus said. Not because they are sinners but because they met the Savior and responded to him. Jesus loves you and wants to redeem you and restore you to a beautiful everlasting relationship with him.  

Toni Francis

You can also watch this blog as a Vlog (Video Blog). Click here to watch it: She was caught in the action