Rev. Jacob B. Sumbayak shared the word of God from John 8:2-11. The story of the woman caught in adultery is indeed a powerful example of Jesus’ compassion and forgiveness.

The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery to Jesus, intending to test Him and find grounds to accuse Him. According to Jewish law at that time, the punishment for adultery was stoning to death. However, Jesus responded by challenging the crowd and their self-righteousness. He said, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”

One by one, beginning with the oldest, the accusers left until no one remained. Jesus then asked the woman if anyone had condemned her, and she responded that no one had. Jesus, the only one present who was truly without sin, declared that he also did not condemn her and told her to go and sin no more.

The significance of Jesus’ words “Neither do I condemn you” lies in his role as the Savior who came to offer forgiveness and redemption to humanity. Jesus’ purpose was to fulfill the law and pay the penalty for our sins through his sacrificial death on the cross. By bearing our sins and offering himself as the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus made it possible for us to receive forgiveness and salvation.

It’s important to remember that Jesus’ forgiveness is not a license to continue in sin but an invitation to a transformed life. As Jesus told the woman, “Go, and from now on do not sin again.” His forgiveness is accompanied by a call to turn away from sin and live in obedience to God’s will.

Overall, this passage highlights Jesus’ mercy, love, and the transformative power of his forgiveness. It emphasizes that no one is without sin, and it is only through the grace of Jesus that we can receive forgiveness and the opportunity to live a life reconciled to God.