Harvest 365Sample

John 8 tells the story of a woman who was brought to Jesus after being caught in the act of adultery. According to the law, her actions would have been grounds enough to stone her to death so the Pharisees brought the woman to Jesus because they wanted to test Him and find a reason to bring charges against Him.

Ashamed and embarrassed, the woman stood before Jesus, expecting the worst. But instead of pointing the finger and judging her, Jesus began writing with his finger in the dirt. We don’t know what he wrote, but many have speculated he started writing down the names and the sins of the woman’s accusers.

When Jesus stood and said, “He who is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone”, the accusers dropped their stones and walked away, one by one. The woman remained standing before Jesus. He did not pretend she was innocent. He did not excuse her crime. He healed her shame by forgiving her sin and instructing her to live in a way that reflected the healing and forgiveness she had received.

Just like Jesus, we ought to lead with grace and then proclaim His truth because His grace saves and His truth frees us.

Rachel Cartledge - Senior Pastor - Harvest Church