The Grace Option

In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women [caught in adultery]. Now what do you say?

John 8:5

We live in a time when the media specializes in broadcasting people’s moral failures and passing judgment. The Pharisees were the same way in the Bible story about the woman caught in adultery (John 8). The woman was dragged out of bed and paraded through the streets, eventually being brought to stand before Jesus. She had violated the law—and the lawful punishment was not only deep shame but a death sentence.

The Pharisees were not seeking justice. They were trying to trap Jesus with the letter of the law, and this woman was their bait. Would He support stoning her, or would He violate the law? They didn’t foresee that Jesus offers a third option: forgiveness.

Jesus challenged the people, saying that if anyone was without sin, they were to cast the first stone. They all slowly walked away, leaving the woman alone with Jesus. That’s when He extended the powerful act of love and grace. He told her He didn’t condemn her and to go and leave her life of sin (John 8:11).

Forgiveness is an option that’s more powerful than any amount of worldly shame—an option that sets us free.

Lord, like the Pharisees, I can fail to recognize that forgiveness is an option. I thank You that You never pass on an opportunity to forgive me.