February 3

Written by Bill Grandi on February 3rd, 2021

One of my favorite stories from the life of Jesus is given to us by His close friend, John. Maybe that is one of the reasons why this story is extra special- it was written by His close friend. One of the Sons of Thunder. One of the brothers who wanted to call down fire from heaven to destroy a city, all because they dissed his friend. I can read this story and experience relief. I can experience a sense of peace. I can experience a wave of a-a-a-a-h sweep over me.

The story is familiar to many of us. It is found in John 8-a story some say is not in the original canon. No matter. I like it anyway. Jesus heads to the temple for another day of teaching when religious leaders rocket before Him interrupting Him with their words and a woman. “This woman was caught in adultery (Excuse me but where is the man?). Our Law says ‘stone her’ but what do you say?” They have thrown down the gauntlet and think they’ve got Him. But this is not His first rodeo, especially with them. He leans down to write in the sand (I sure would like to know what He wrote wouldn’t you?). Then He tells them that the one who is without sin should cast the first stone. He watches them leave one-by-one until all who are left is He and the lady. I see Jesus reaching out His hand to help her up, wipe the mud and tears and shame off her face, ask her a question about her accusers, then telling her to “go and sin no more.”

He didn’t shame her. He didn’t berate her. He certainly didn’t kick dirt on her or throw a stone. He didn’t tell her she needed to attend an AA (Adulterer’s Anonymous) meeting. Nope. Just forgiveness. Just G-R-A-C-E.

I’m that woman. You are that woman. Condemned by our sin and shame we prostate ourselves at the feet of the loving Father. Wallowing in that sin and condemnation and shame we grovel in the dirt at the foot of the cross. But the loving Savior does not shame us or condemn us. He extends grace and forgives us. What more can we ask for? Grace upon grace.

“Father, thank You for this story. Thank You for Your marvelous grace. As it has been extended to me, may I extend it to someone today. Help me to be an agent of grace for You.”

 

 

4 Comments so far ↓

  1. Ryan S says:

    I second your prayer Bill… We all need to experience and dispense grace.

  2. Yes, Bill, everyone of us is like that prostitute, sinful and in dire need of God’s grace and forgiveness. May we remember to dispense grace to others as quickly as Jesus has toward us.
    Blessings!