Jesus offers second chances

 JESUS OFFERS SECOND CHANCES

“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

JOHN 8.10

Based on JOHN 8:1–11

The Pharisees were trying to trap Jesus, completely disregarding the woman in question. She was a convenient and disposable pawn to play in their political manoeuvres.

Let’s put ourselves in her shoes for a moment. How did the Pharisees catch her? Most likely by stationing two or three witnesses either in the room or at the keyhole. They either heard of a possible affair or set it up deliberately to trap Jesus.

Along with the public humiliation of being dragged through the streets as an adulteress, the woman would have also faced possible betrayal from the one she had given herself to (one possible explanation for why the man is conveniently excused by the Pharisees instead of brought forward for capital punishment alongside her). She knew what she had done deserved punishment, but no one had been stoned for adultery for ages (as it wasn’t permitted under Roman law without a governor’s permission).

There she stood, alone, condemned already, shame-faced, and silent. For what could she say to defend herself? She was as good as dead. But worse, she was stripped of her dignity and identity. Even if she escaped with her life, her reputation would be forever besmirched, her family dishonoured, her future ruined. Nothing would ever be the same again.

The Pharisees continued pestering Jesus, but He remained oddly silent, scribbling in the sand. Many are fascinated by this detail of Jesus writing in the sand. What did He write? Why did He do this? We don’t know. The text doesn’t tell us because that’s not the point of the story. Let’s not get caught up in exciting speculations and miss this. Jesus’ love rescues this vulnerable woman and affirms her humanity and dignity, offering her a second chance at life.

He does this by turning the Pharisees’ self-righteousness on themselves. According to Mosaic law, witnesses who reported adultery would be the first to cast the stones, yet at Jesus’ pronouncement — “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” — not one dares be the first. Once confident and critical, the Pharisees recognised their sinful state before the holy and righteous God they claimed to serve and dropped their stones, the older ones leaving first.

The only one without sin worthy to cast the first stone is left alone with the woman. He finally straightens up and faces her. “Woman, where are they?” She looks around bewildered. He prods, “Has no one condemned you?”

Her eyes dart around until they finally lock on His steady gaze. “No one, sir.” Note the respect in her voice. The trepidation. The incredulity.

But there was still One who could condemn her, and He was looking straight at her. Certainly, He saw her guilt. Surely, He knew her heart. Possibly, she held her breath.

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declares.

Whereas the Pharisees had used their words to condemn the downtrodden, the Word made flesh called into existence an unimaginable new beginning: “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Quite simply, these men had pounced on a vulnerable woman to exploit her for their own shady purposes. Jesus saw through their facade, turned it on them, and offered this woman what she did not deserve, forgiveness, hope, and a future.

Prayer 

Lord Jesus, You alone are worthy to judge the world, and one day You will return to judge the living and the dead. Forgive me for placing myself in the judge’s seat, condemning my fellow humans. Thank You for Your love, deep enough to forgive my deepest sins, great enough to cover my most shameful secrets, strong enough to call forth a bright hope and future. Oh, how great is Your love for me and for all Your children. Help me love others as You do. 

In Jesus’s name, Amen.

If you want to read more 

Jer 29.10–14, Mt 7.1–5, Jn 3.16–17, Rom 8.1–3