Grace Can Do What Law Can Never Do
In Jesus’ interaction with the crowd and the woman caught in adultery, we witness a powerful contrast between the harsh judgment of the law and the transformative power of grace. This story, found in John 8, offers profound insights into how we approach sin, judgment, and forgiveness.
The scene opens with a dramatic confrontation:
John 8:3 The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, and having set her in the center of the court.
You can almost feel her shame, half-dressed but humiliated, and feeling like it’s her against the world. But to the Law, to the proud legalist, none of this matters,
John 8:4 They said to Him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?”
This moment perfectly illustrates how the law condemns and labels people. The woman is reduced to her sin, publicly shamed, and facing a death sentence. But they don’t care about her, only the rules.
But Jesus responds differently. His approach raises an important question: In what ways might grace be misunderstood as condoning sin? The Pharisees likely thought Jesus’ reputation for grace meant He would ignore the sin, effectively condoning it. However, Jesus addresses this misconception beautifully.
John 8:7 When they persisted…, He said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”
First, Jesus uses the law against them, which they put their hope in. This statement reveals the universality of sin and turns the accusers’ focus inward. One by one, they leave, convicted by their own consciences.
John 8:9 When they heard it, they began to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones ||| and He was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the center of the court.
Here is a true picture of the Law and grace. The Law can only condemn. But this woman was not the only one it condemned, notice, the Law condemned everyone else, as well. Yet here is grace: The law-condemned woman is comforted, safe, and alone with Jesus! He’s not lecturing her but forgiving her!
Law condemns all sin and makes us feel like garbage. Grace, on the other hand, forgives sin and offers transformation.
Law condemns all sin and makes us feel like garbage. Grace, on the other hand, forgives sin and offers transformation.
John 8:10 Straightening up, Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” 11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on, sin no more.”
Jesus doesn’t say, “Sin no more, and I won’t condemn you.” Notice the order. “I don’t condemn you. Sin no more.” I.e., “God accepts you. Sin no more!”
Jesus doesn’t say, “Sin no more, and I won’t condemn you.” Notice the order. “I don’t condemn you. Sin no more.” I.e., “God accepts you. Sin no more!”
This order makes all the difference. It’s not a condition but a gift. The practical difference is immense. The former puts the burden on human effort, while Jesus bases transformation on the reality of God’s grace.
This statement stumbles many who struggle to understand grace. Jesus didn’t free this woman from the Law only to put her under the law again (“sin no more”). Instead, He gave her hope that she would no longer live enslaved to sin (“I don’t have to live this way any more”). This was an invitation to a new life empowered by grace.
Jesus didn’t free this woman from the Law only to put her under the law again (“sin no more”). Instead, He gave her hope that she would no longer live enslaved to sin (“I don’t have to live this way any more”).
This act of grace is the basis for her entire relationship with God. He’s like, “This is your new reality now. Keep relying on My unmerited favor, unexpected forgiveness, and ultimate compassion.”
God doesn’t expect us to control our sin nature through self-discipline, it relies on Christ to overcome sin.
In conclusion, God’s first approach to our sin isn’t to condemn us but to free us. Grace doesn’t ignore sin; it deals with it more effectively than the law ever could. We find forgiveness and the power to live differently by embracing God’s grace. We’re invited into a relationship with God based not on our performance but on His unmerited favor, unexpected forgiveness, and ultimate compassion toward us.