John 8:4- 11
How do you “handle” temptation?
How did Jesus “handle” a woman caught in adultery? She clearly sinned and was called out by Jewish leaders, who wanted to “catch” Jesus to accuse Him.
John 8:4-6
Jesus stooped down to the ground and began writing with His finger on the ground.
Jesus then said, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”
Now, follower of Christ, we all are sinners! God says so in Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23.
One by one, the accusers of the woman left, quietly and perhaps quickly. For how did they know where to go to catch the woman in adultery?
Did Jesus condone or pity this woman? He could have done both, but He didn’t.
Jesus continued to write on the ground and looking up He looked around. All the accusers were gone. Only the guilty woman was left and Jesus spoke to her! “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” And how did she answer? “No one, Lord.” Then, Jesus, in His grace and mercy said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.” John 8:8-11
Nothing further is said, not one word if the woman asked forgiveness – remember Jesus already forgave her.
Did the woman place her faith in Jesus? We don’t know, we are not told.
Did she leave her life of prostitution? We don’t know, we are not told.
What you do with temptation is between you and God.
Only you can turn from temptation to sin, and not sin!
Only you can turn to the God of mercy and grace and ask Him to forgive you.
Consider this ~
Temptation is NOT sin.
Sin is yielding to the temptation.