Until It Touches the Conscience

In the book of John chapter 8, the word of God teaches a very important lesson on judgment, forgiveness, repentance and the love of God.

The scribes and Pharisee brought a woman to Jesus that was caught in the act of adultery. They reminded Jesus that Moses in the law commanded us to, that such should be stones: but what sayest thou?  Jesus did not answer them.  He stooped down and began writing  on the ground.  The scribes and Pharisees continued to ask Jesus what sayest thou.  Jesus said unto them, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast.a stone at her.  And agin he stooped down, and wrote on the ground."

Many through the years have tried to figure out what Jesus was writing.  Some have said the names of those that had been with the woman is a popular response.  But the word of God does not say what Jesus was writing on the ground.

After Jesus asked the scribes and Pharisees the question the Bible says, "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.

When Jess saw it was just him and the woman he asked her, "where are those thine accusers?  Hath no man condemned thee?"  She said, "no man, Lord."  And Jesus unto her, "neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."  Jesus then turned and spoke to 'them' "I am the light of the world: he that followers me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

It is easy to be quick to condemn someone else and not look on ones own life.  The woman sin was in the open.  Many have sins they think are hid in the dark.  Sin is sin.  All have sinned and fallen shot of the kingdom of God.  Man does not have the right to condemn or judge a person unto death.  That judgment is reserved for God to do.

However, the Lord does not accept sin.  Jesus told the woman to go and sin no more.  He did not say adultery was right.  Did the woman go and sin no more?  Scripture does not say.  But the scripture does say, when Jesus says stop that is what He means.

The conscience.  The men that wanted judgment and death for the woman were made to think on their own actions.  Did they have sin in their lives?  Did they put the stones down?  At least it appears they are operating in some truth and that same spirit of truth made them look at themselves...their conscience was convicted.  This scripture helps one to understand that conviction affects ones thoughts.  Conviction causes change.  Conviction touches the thoughts and heart that leads to change.  The word of God is designed to bring conviction as relates to sin and wrong doing.  If the word of God does not bring conviction for sin when sin is in ones life, there will be no repentance or change.

Where was the love of God in all this?  Jesus spoke to the spiritual condition of the scribes, the Pharisees and the woman.  Thank God for the word.