Day 15 - Empowered by Light | February Devotional in the Gospel of John
John 8:10 When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” 11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” 12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
(Read John 8:1-12)
Jesus’ response to the religious leaders who demanded that a woman be condemned and punished whom they “caught” in the act of adultery is interesting and revealing. There was a problem with the clarity of their accusation: Either, 1) They were the ones committing adultery with her or, 2) They were “peeping toms.” Either way, they were in no position to judge her as a sinner. Jesus response was brilliant, “He who has no sins may cast the first stone at her.”
People are responsible for their sins and wrongdoing, but condemnation does nothing to resolve a matter. Jesus said “I am the light of the world.” It is the function of light to dispel darkness. So long as people are willing to walk in the light they will walk in freedom.
Consistent with light, Jesus said to her, “Go and sin no more.” He was not just giving her an admonition, He was assuring her that living without sin was possible by living in the light!
Reflection question: How does walking in God's light empower you to live free?
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