One of the most beloved stories from the life of Christ involves a scandalous sinner. She was caught “in the very act” of adultery and dragged before Jesus to test him:
They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?’ They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
— John 8:3-6
Do you remember what Jesus did next? He didn’t argue with them. He didn’t give a long sermon. He just stooped down and started writing in the dirt with his finger.
Have you ever wondered what he was writing? Some say he started writing scripture quotations. Others say Jesus looked at each one in the crowd and started writing down their sins like a spiritual accountant. I don’t know what he wrote, but I do know what he said after “they kept on questioning him.”
Jesus stood up and said, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” At that the crowd melted away in shame.
The Apostle John was there that day and heard Jesus speak. Much later in his life John wrote to Christians, “If we,” (John was speaking to us) “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness,” (1 John 1:8, 9).
We’re not perfect – Just forgiven!