The Power of Jesus over sin

Explanation: The woman was guilty of sexual immorality. She had been caught in the very act, so her guilt was clear. She was guilty. Her decision to commit adultery was sinful, and as a result of her actions she came under condemnation. Unlike the others in the crowd, she was thrust into the center of attention and exposed for her sin. Her shame was inconceivable.

Illustrate: being caught red-handed in sinful activity. Party at the pig farm when Pat’s mother came by with groceries

Argument: Scripture is very clear that sin has a price, and that price is eternal separation from God (; ). It is easy for us to judge a person who is an addict or an alcoholic, a prostitute or a murderer, a pedophile or a wife abuser, but the reality is that we are all sinners () We are all guilty rebels before a Holy God. The consequences of our sin will differ, but make no mistake: we are all guilty before the righteous standard of God’s holiness

Application: We do not have the right or authority to look down on others. We who have been redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus are to remember that it is by His Grace, and that we are just as undeserving as the vilest murderer.

As Messiah, Jesus has the power to expose hypocrisy ()

Explanation: The Pharisees are not interested in justice. They simply want to trap Jesus so they bring an adulteress to Him. If Jesus condemns her, they think He will lose support for failing to be compassionate. If He doesn’t condemn her, they can then accuse Jesus of failing to keep the Law.

Jesus is very aware of their twisted motives. He knows they aren’t interested in justice because they only brought the woman. Adultery takes two, and by not bringing the man, they tip their hand. While the text is silent on what Jesus wrote, it evidently had the effect of bringing the Pharisees up short. With their hypocrisy exposed, they slunk off, one after another.

Illustrate: we are sometimes guilty of judging another so that we will feel better about ourselves. “I am not as prejudiced against ______ as that guy!” OR “I don’t gossip as much as she does”

Argument: Believers do have the responsibility to guard against sin, even when it is present in others. We are called to be wise to the ways of the devil () and we are to deal with sin when present, especially in the body (). With that being said, nowhere in Scripture are we given the authority to judge in a condemning, hypocritical manner (). Our judgments in these instances should be handled with compassion and with the motivation of restoration.

And, we are not to hold those who are in the world (the Lost) to the same standard as fellow believers. Those of us who have been redeemed are indwelt with the Holy Spirit and we have the means and guidance (The Word) to avoid sin. We should not be surprised when lost people act like lost people!

Application: Repent of having a judgmental attitude. Repent of hypocrisy or of feeling superior to others. Consider the response to stating to your spouse: “I am only going to cheat on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, but I am going to be faithful the other days.” Now consider God’s response to our hypocritical stated response of faithfulness to Him only on every other Sunday.

As Messiah, Jesus has the Power to forgive sin ()

Explanation: Regardless of what Jesus wrote, all of her accusers left, leaving the woman alone with Jesus. Jesus looks at the woman and asks her where her accusers are. He then asks her if anyone is left to condemn her. She responds that they have left, and then He declares that He is not condemning her either. As Messiah, the Second Person of the Trinity, Jesus has the power and authority to forgive sins. He actually has the ability to grant permanent forgiveness instead of a temporary covering.

It is hard for us to imagine how she must have felt. She was clearly guilty, she was aware of the punishment (death by stoning), and she expected that her life was over. Instead of death, she is delivered by the Author of Life Himself.

Illustrate: joy & relief brought about by sudden and unexpected deliverance

Argument: It should not be hard for those of us who have been redeemed by Jesus to understand how she must have felt. All who have truly experienced the forgiveness of sin that is only found in Jesus () know what it is like. Like her, we were sinking down in the miry pit of sin. We were hopeless, despairing of purpose and meaning when Jesus reached down and pulled us out. He transferred us from the kingdom of darkness and placed us in the kingdom of light ().

Jesus did not take her sin lightly. He did not simply tell her not to worry about anything. In His Authority, Jesus commands the woman to go and sin no more. His power has not only freed her from the shame and guilt of her burden of sin, it has enabled her to live a changed life. ()

Application: For the Redeemed: We are most like Jesus when we forgive those who have wronged us. We are most like Jesus when we are compassionate to those who are struggling. Personally experiencing the forgiveness and wholeness He brings should encourage us to share the Good News with those who are still in darkness.

For the Lost: If the Holy Spirit is convicting you of your shame and guilt over the sin in your life, come to Jesus. (Matt 11:28)

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