Jesus shows the contrast between law and grace
John 8:1-11
Chapter 8 reveals a series of contrast between Christ and the world. While there is some controversy over who wrote this, but it is worthy of our study because it shows the character of Christ and the differences between law and grace.
The story revolves around the Pharisees, who are focused on their own self-righteousness and fail to view their true condition. The woman on the other hand recognizes the seriousness of her condition due to sin, and Christ by his response shows both parties the differences between law and grace.
The Pharisees thinking they have placed Jesus between a rock and a hard place are soon taken back when he replies to their enquiries by stating “let him who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her”. Jesus by his words is applying Deut 17:7 saying, “yes the woman is guilty and should be stoned, but whoever is sinless in this matter to be qualified to condemn her?” Upon hearing this all her accusers drift away. To the woman replies “neither do I condemn you go and sin no more”.
The woman is free, but she is not innocent. Why did not Jesus condemn her? Because he knew that when ea few months he would be hung on a cross paying by his shed blood the penalty for her sin. Grace is free to all, but it was not cheap (John 3:16-17; I Peter 3:18)
The law condemns us but the grace of God saves us (Rom 3:20; Rom 5:20).
Jesus does not diminish her sin but offers gracious forgiveness. The Pharisees bent on self-salvation refuse to see that the intent of the law was to drive them to grace, simply walked away.
The question for us is still the same. Are you going to trust in you works or the grace of God, offered only thru faith in Christ as our Savior (Eph 2:8-9).