Neither Do I

Written By Betty Predmore

John 8:1-20 (May 14)

Inquiring minds want to know! Today's scripture is one that I have always wondered about. I have put it on my "list of things to ask Jesus" once I get over the awe of standing before him someday.

Jesus has left Judea and returned to the Mount of Olives. However, the next morning he finds himself back at the temple again. (He just can't seem to stay away. I wish I felt that way about the gym!)

The Pharisees bring a woman to him who had been caught in the act of adultery. (Oopsie!!) They put her in front of the crowd who had been listening to Jesus teach.

"Teacher," they said to Jesus, "this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?"

Do you think they really cared what he had to say? Ummm....nope! This was yet another test, another effort to trap Jesus.

Instead of replying, Jesus stooped down and wrote in the sand. And that, my friends, is where my big "thing to ask Jesus" comes in. Exactly what was he writing when he stooped down? Was it her name? Was it "GRACE"? Was it "forgiveness"? Inquiring minds (like mine) want to know!

Finally, after they just wouldn't stop demanding an answer, Jesus stood up and said, "All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!"

I don't know about you, but that would've taken me out of the "stone throwing contest" immediately!

Slowly, one by one, those accusers snuck away, until none were left. Jesus looked at this woman (I can just imagine her fear!) and said, "Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you?"

"No Lord," she replied. (I'm sure with great relief!)

And Jesus said, "Neither do I. Go and sin no more."

Ahhhh....beautiful words to be heard by that terrified woman..."Neither do I."

Those are the same words Jesus speaks over our sins when we come to him with a heart of repentance. He offers he boundless grace to all who call out to him.

I may not know what he wrote in the sand that day. He may never even tell me, once I get to heaven. But one thing I know for sure... "neither do I" will be spoken over me time and time again. That's just how good Jesus is.

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


Previous

LOVE, LOVE
Next

The Blame Game