John 8:1-11
I appreciate the part of the liturgy that begins with the confession and absolution of sins— but I don’t often get it. Sometimes I routinely mutter the words, quickly rushing through. Other times, I recognize my sin and get stuck in the confession part. Neither response recognizes the power that comes from that brief order. In John’s Gospel we read about a woman about to be stoned for her sin. At the last minute, the Pharisees invite Jesus to weigh in on the issue. Jesus, the one without sin, has this woman’s future in his hands. He knows the law, as do the Pharisees. Jesus turns the tables. Brothers and sisters in Christ, the one without sin, Jesus, says these words to you today, just as he did then: No sin, no wrong doing, is too great. You are not condemned. Go and leave your sin behind.
“…Go now and leave your life of sin.” – John 8:11 NIV
From: Lent Devotional 2011 by Luther Seminary and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary
South Valley Community Church 