Another Chance

Unable to speak, the young woman felt fear pulse through her as heavy hands pushed her toward the temple.

“We’ll see what the teacher has to say about this,†one of the religious leaders jeered.

Despite the scorching heat and the sun shining in her eyes, the woman was cold.

*Not like this,* she thought. *A foolish mistake, and I’m paying for it with my life.*

Too shocked to cry, she felt her heart beat frantically. *No escape,* she thought, shivering as she turned away from the prying eyes surrounding her.

“Teacher,†said one of the leaders, “this woman was caught in the act of committing adultery. In the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?â€

The crowd of men carried rough rocks in their hands, ready to throw.

Silence. The woman glanced at Him, and He met her gaze—not with condemnation but with compassion. She had to tear herself away from His gaze; for in that glance, she knew He could read her innermost heart and thoughts. She understood this was the man—Jesus—that she had heard rumors about.

Stooping down, Jesus wrote in the sand, reflecting before finally breaking the ache of the silence: “The one without sin among you should be the first to throw a stone at her.â€

Anticipating the pain, the woman winced slightly as she heard the thud of a rock colliding with the ground. Only it didn’t hit her. One by one, the stones were cast down and the religious leaders walked away—until she was standing alone with Jesus.

“Woman, where are they?†Jesus asked. “Has no one condemned you?â€

“No one, Lord,†the woman replied.

“Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.â€

Joy filled her. She’d been given another chance…and a Savior who could free her from the power of sin and condemnation.

• Do you believe in a second chance or a fresh start? When we put our trust in Jesus as our Savior from sin and death, how does He give us a fresh start? If you have questions about how Jesus saves us from sin and death, who is a trusted Christian in you life you can talk with about it?
• We have all sinned, so we all need Christ. How does this fact change the way you interact with others?

“Neither do I condemn you,†said Jesus. “Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.†John 8:11 (CSB)

Read Verses:

John 8:1-11