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Read: John 8:3-11
Listen: John 8

Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” John 8:10-11

Religious leaders brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus. They wanted to use her to trap Jesus in his words. However, Jesus saw past their trickery and winsomely responded to the self-righteous men: “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7). The men leave, and Jesus says, “Neither do I condemn you… Go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:11). For Jesus, this encounter is about grace and repentance. Jesus did not condemn her, but he did not condone her sin. It was both-and. This story reminds us that both grace and repentance (turning from sin) are key to the Christian life.

Grace is the spark that ignites a life of repentance. When we recognize that we have been spared from what we deserve (judgment) and have been granted what we do not deserve (salvation), gratitude and worship should be the result. God’s forgiveness through Christ doesn’t excuse our sin—it empowers us to walk away from it. Understanding and embracing God’s grace and mercy should lead us toward grateful obedience.

TODAY: Examine your heart. Are there sins you’ve been excusing? Have you grown comfortable with disobedience? Confess these to God, thank him for his grace through Christ and write down one specific step you’ll take to “leave your life of sin.” If you have not yet received salvation through Jesus, today is a great day to do so. Email us at btw@adabible.org if you want to know more about following Jesus.

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read Nahum 2. Highlight anything that points to Jesus. Focus on Christ’s ultimate victory (Revelation 19:11-16).