May 11, 2023

Mercy in Action

“Straightening up, Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?’ She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said, ‘I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.’”

John 8:10-11 (NASB)

            Years ago, while working in youth ministry, I spoke with a 16-year-old girl in our youth group. I was familiar with her from previous arrests. Many arrests involved prostitution for drugs. One night I led her to Christ. She told me she felt the sweeping forgiveness of Christ run through her soul that night. I remember rejoicing at her decision with her mother. She had been praying for her daughter for years. The girl turned her back on the life she led and is now married with three children. God changed her life, and she turned her back on her former lifestyle.

            “Straightening up…” All remaining accusers and bystanders were gone. Only Jesus and the woman remained. Those who were ready to stone her dispersed. Jesus even refrained from getting up until all were gone. Then He stood. The woman was inclined to listen because of His power. He delivered her from her death. Jesus asked her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” Two times the word condemn is used in today’s passages. The first phrase “Did no one condemn you?” The word, Katakrino is a combination of two Greek words, “Krino,” and “Kata.” “Krino” means to act as judge, or conclude.[1] “Kata” means to be against or to look down on the person.[2] So essentially Jesus asked the woman if anyone was there to judge against her. These men, trying to trap Jesus at the same time, passed judgment by condemning her from the very beginning. This wouldn’t been a fair trial. The woman responded, “No one, Lord.” Not one who remained were there to throw stones. Then Jesus used the same word “condemn” again. The word, “condemn” this time it is the verb “Krino,” or to act as judge, or conclude. This time, His response is not of judgment, but of impartialness. A true judge is one who can judge with mercy in mind, not of condemnation from the onset. Jesus judges righteously.

            “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.” “It literally means (prohibition with present active imperative): ‘Henceforth no longer go on sinning.’ One can only hope that the woman was really changed in heart and life. Jesus clearly felt that even a wicked woman can be saved.”[3] On the other hand, no pronouncement of pardon was made upon the woman. Jesus made sure she heard the words, “From now on sin no more.” This doesn’t mean she never sinned again, for it is impossible. Jesus challenged her to change her course of life, and be drawn to her Deliverer. He who freed her from her accusers, had the power to free her to eternal life in Him. He commanded her to “go.” In this, He gave her a second chance at life again. Even a wicked woman can be saved and change. Mary Magdalene was proof.

            Forgiveness is a sovereign act of God. The woman was allowed a fresh start, but not eternal forgiveness. Jesus did not act in judgment, for that would have ended her life. He wanted her to see the need for change. This would lead her to seeking the One who gave her a fresh start in life, and seeking something more. This is the way many come to Christ today!

[1] Robert L. Thomas, New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries : Updated Edition (Anaheim: Foundation Publications, Inc., 1998).

[2] Ibid.

[3] A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1933), Jn 8:11.