Jesus' Question That Gives Hope

For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.

Jeremiah 31:34

Have you ever felt rejected, alone, and without hope? Have you ever believed that an act you committed was so terrible it could not be forgiven? In the Bible we meet a woman who felt this way, and from her story we gain hope.

 As Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, a large crowd gathered around Him. Suddenly commotion erupted as the self-righteous religious leaders approached, dragging a woman caught in adultery. Can you imagine the humiliation of this woman whose sin was exposed to all? She was merely an object to the religious leaders who were using her to trap Jesus. If Jesus condemned her, as the Law of Moses declared, He would lose favor with the common people; if He did not, He would be disagreeing with the law.

Jesus recognized the evil intent of the leaders, as they openly questioned if He would have her stoned. Jesus bent down and began writing in the sand. Then He stood and wisely said, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7) With these words, Jesus changed the focus of the religious leaders from the sin of the woman to their own sin. Jesus bent down again and continued writing.

 One by one the leaders left, until only the woman stood before Jesus. Standing and looking at her, Jesus tenderly asked, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” This humble and broken woman felt the love and compassion of a forgiving God. He then gave her hope of a new life with the words, “Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:10-11)

 Perhaps you have sinned in such a way that you see no hope of forgiveness. Perhaps others are openly accusing you. It is easy to accuse others when we focus on their sin and forget our own. The fact is, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) Apart from Jesus, none of us has hope of forgiveness. Yet, through belief in Jesus, our sins are forgiven. He will remember our sins no more! Will you look to Jesus for forgiveness and, through His power, leave your life of sin?

 Lord Jesus, we thank You for the forgiveness You offer. Thank You that through belief in You, no sin is great enough to separate us from Your love.

 Jan Burkhart