DCLM Daily Manna Friday 21 April 2023
TOPIC: Sin No More
Text: John 8:1-11 (KJV)
Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
KEY VERSE:
“She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”
(John 8:11)
DCLM Daily Manna Friday 21 April 2023 MESSAGE
The unnamed woman in our passage started her journey of shame into adultery in secrecy. The affair was to be between her and the man. But somehow, what was meant to be a private affair became a matter of public consumption.
Jesus was teaching in the temple when the Scribes and Pharisees brought the woman to Him. “They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?” (John 8:4,5). Even though these religious leaders did not bring her sin partner, they wanted Jesus to sanction the verdict of capital punishment, as prescribed in the law of Moses. The Lord did not object to their opinion but He wanted the sinless person among them to cast the first stone.
The surprising verdict of Jesus caught them off guard. “And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst” (John 8:9). Jesus, seeing the disappearance of her accusers forgave her but warned her not to return to her sinful lifestyle anymore.
It makes no difference whether you are a secret sinner or a celebrity sinner. Christ has the power to forgive sins when the sinner owns up to them and asks for mercy. The woman received pardon from the Lord because she admitted her guilt. The Lord is ever merciful and willing to forgive every repentant sinner. But once forgiven, He expects the sinner to completely change his ways and forsake all iniquities.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Forgiveness is a precious gift with great responsibility.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Romans 1-3
