John 7:40–8:11 · God’s grace is great—no condemnation and a new way to live.
Big Idea: In Christ there is no condemnation—then a call to “go, and sin no more.”
Grace Greater Than Our Sin
The crowds around Jesus were divided—some called Him the Christ, others called Him crazy. The religious leaders had already made up their minds: they’d judged Him guilty. Into that tense atmosphere, a group of Pharisees drag a woman before Jesus. She’s been caught in adultery. It’s a setup, and everyone knows it. “Moses commanded us to stone such women,” they say. “What do you say?”
They think they’ve trapped Him. If He shows mercy, He defies the Law. If He demands justice, He loses His reputation for compassion. But instead of arguing, Jesus stoops down and writes in the dust. Then He looks up and says, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone.” One by one, they drop their stones and walk away—until only Jesus and the woman remain.
No Condemnation
“Where are they?” Jesus asks. “Has no one condemned you?”
“No one, Lord,” she replies.
And Jesus says the words that every sinner longs to hear: “Neither do I condemn you.”
That’s the heart of the gospel. The only sinless one in the crowd—the one truly qualified to judge—chooses mercy. Jesus doesn’t ignore her sin; He bears it. He will carry her guilt, and ours, to the cross. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
Go and Sin No More
Grace doesn’t minimize sin; it transforms sinners. Jesus’s forgiveness comes with a new command: “Go, and from now on sin no more.” The same grace that pardons also empowers. We don’t obey to earn His love—we obey because we already have it. The woman leaves that temple courtyard forgiven, free, and changed forever.
Standing Before the Judge
Every one of us will one day stand where she stood—alone before the Judge. And the question will be the same: are you trusting in your goodness or His grace? Those who belong to Jesus will hear His voice saying, “Neither do I condemn you.” That’s not just pardon—it’s peace, and it’s the beginning of a whole new life.