In yesterday’s devotional I shared a few words about the woman caught in adultery in John 8.

It’s a powerful and beautiful example of how Jesus “came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

Today let’s focus on a much-neglected detail. In verse 7 he said: “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” One by one they left.

“Has no one condemned you?” he asked. “No one, sir,” she replied. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Here’s the point I want to highlight. There was actually one person who fit the qualification of being “without sin”—Jesus himself! Hebrews 4:15 tells us that Jesus “did not sin.” 

Therefore, it would have been within his right to take up a stone and throw it at her skull.

But he didn’t.

He withheld condemnation. At the same time, he told her to leave her life of sin.

This same offer is continually offered to each one of us.

Romans 8:1 reminds us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. At the same time, we are told to turn away from sin and toward faithfulness.

Friends, the only one qualified to throw the stone didn’t. Let’s be thankful for his mercy, and also heed his command. 

What do you need to turn away from?
What do you need to turn toward?

“Neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

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Notes:

-The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and returns on June 30, 2025.
-Bible quotes are from the NIV.