You don’t have to tell me if you “feel” guilty…it is easy to read on your face. But get over it…consider this well known story…John 8:1-11 about a woman “caught” in adultery. You could talk about this story for the rest of your life, and still only partially understand the grace that is behind it. BUT…here is a quick paraphrase.
Where was the man? Everyone was quick to accuse the woman…but it takes two to tango! How did Jesus handle this “no win” situation? He wrote on the ground. Can you just imagine the crowd…with this poor…dirty…naked…but totally guilty woman in the midst of them. Jesus writes on the dirt. He probably wrote “their names” and the names of the women that they had slept with in the dirt for them to see.
When Jesus stands and says, “he who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” The word that is used is “Anamartetos” which is ONLY used in John 8:7 and refers to to one who was not guilty of the exact sin that they were accusing the woman they had brought to Jesus. Can you feel the tension…can you sense the excitement…it gets better…read on!
Come on Jesus…let em have it! No…Jesus again stoops down and writes on the ground. (Verse 9) Then…when they heard it, they began to go out one by on….(and get this) beginning with the older ones… Isn’t that great the very ones who set this up were guilty (but then again…aren’t we all?), and they new it more than anybody. It is amazing how when you are confronted with your own guilt…you wither away. But it gets better…read on!!!
After the crowd leaves, it is just Jesus and the woman. She is still “naked,” she is still unkempt, she is still “dirty,” and He says the famous line,”Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you? ” And she says “No one, Lord.” I really just put this together…how could she NOT call Him Lord…He just rescued her…from shame, and disgrace, and rumors, and hate…JUST like he has rescued ME and YOU…that is why WE call him LORD. But don’t miss the last point…
Add it up…Jesus said (my paraphrase), they aren’t accusing you…because they don’t have the ability to accuse you…I am the only one who has the “authority” to accuse you…and I am not accusing you. You are free of shame and guilt…so WHEN will you quit accusing yourself??? Isn’t that the question that we all need to ask ourself? Isn’t that it? Wouldn’t it feel great to rid yourself of that baggage…that guilt…that sin? You can, if you have accepted Christ as your Savior, and will allow him to come in to your life…and radically change you.
Oh yeah, when Christ said, ”Neither do I condemn you, go your way. From now on sin no more.” The word he used for sin is “hamartano” which means “don’t miss the mark”…how do we not miss the mark, and stop this life of sin? AIM AT THE TARGET…and that target is GOD! He loves you, He died for you, He has forgiven you. Accept that now….don’t wait.
If you have accepted Christ today, would you please go to the www.whatsyourdash.com page and click on “prayers to God.” That is our way of coming along side you in prayer. We are not a church, but we are a group of men who were once dirty, naked, and covered in guilt…that want you to know that Christ is knocking at the door, asking you to let Him in, and He will do the same thing for you that He did for that woman (and for me). Don’t wait…just do it today! This will be the first day of making your “dash” meaningful. Have a great day! Dan
