He Has You Covered

By Gobel Brockman


     I was thinking about the story in John chapter 8 about the woman caught in adultery. I'm sure most of you know the story: Jesus was teaching in the temple, and the Pharisees interrupted Him by bringing this woman to Him, trying to catch Him in His words so they can turn Him over to the authorities. (Which is all religion does - interrupt Him. But that's another story for another time.) They said, "This woman was caught in the very act of adultery. The Law says she should be stoned - what do YOU say?" In my mind I can see the arrogance in their eyes. It was as if they were saying to themselves, "We've got Him now!" 

     I love His response. In John 8:6 the Bible says this:

"This they said to test Him, that they might have some charge to bring against Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote with His finger on the ground, as though He heard them not."

     One name for Jesus is Immanuel, which means "God with us." Jesus is now stooping down and writing with His finger on the ground. I remember another instance where God wrote with His finger - when He wrote the Law on two tablets while on the mountain with Moses:

"And (God) gave to Moses, when He had finished speaking with him on Mount Sinai, the two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God." (Exodus 31:18)

     It was as if Jesus was saying to them, "You men want to debate the Law with ME? I'm the One who GAVE you the Law!" They kept pressing Him, so Jesus finally replied, "Let the one without sin cast the first stone." Silence. Then, one by one, they all walk away. Jesus is left alone with the woman. He asked if anyone had condemned her. No one had. He said, "Neither do I. Go and sin no more." 

     Which leads to a problem, because the Pharisees were right about one thing - the Law DID call for death for the sin of adultery. So how could Jesus let her go? For me, it's simple. Jesus knew why He was here, and that the cross was His destiny. When He told the woman, "Neither do I condemn you" He was saying in essence, "Yes, your sin calls for death. But don't worry, I've got you covered."

     If you're struggling with sin, I don't condemn you. I won't be casting any stones in your direction. What I do want to do is point you in His direction. There's healing, hope, and forgiveness there. Yes, it will require humility. It will indeed require repentance. Jesus told that woman, "Go and sin no more" and He will say the same to us today. When you come into a genuine encounter with the presence of God and His holiness, you will come away different than you came. But you can come to Him knowing that you will not be turned away. If you are truly seeking forgiveness and restoration, you can come to Jesus and know that it will be found.  

     Why? Because He has you covered as well.