Seasons: Spring — Friday
John 8:10-11
When Jesus stood up, he said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
“No one, Lord,” she answered.
”Neither do I condemn you,” said Jesus. “Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.” (CSB)
During a conference I attended several years ago, the guest speaker asked the attendees, “When was the last time you felt alive?” I thought to myself, what does he mean to feel alive? Initially, I daydreamed about myself snowboarding, bungee jumping, boxing, etc. Of course, I never actually did any of those things myself. So, I thought for a moment about my real-life experience, but ultimately, I couldn’t think of anything. It’s been so long since I heard that message that I truly couldn’t tell you his point. However, I can’t help but think about that question when I read Scripture. What does it mean to feel alive? The conclusion I’ve come to is that being alive isn’t necessarily a feeling as much as it is an acknowledgment of the truth.
In today’s verse, we reflect on the story of the woman caught in adultery. I’m sure you're familiar with Jesus’ famous words in response to the Pharisees, who were talking about stoning her to death: “Let the person without sin throw the first stone.” Then, Jesus asked the woman if anyone actually condemned her by throwing one, and she answered no. Jesus responded by letting her know He didn’t condemn her either, and challenged her to not sin anymore. How often do you find yourself in a place of self-condemnation? Maybe you’ve thought or said phrases like “I’m a failure” or “It would be better if I wasn’t here,” or maybe even something like “I can’t believe I messed up again… that’s all I do.” Many of us fixate on the verses in the Bible that talk about how we deserve death, and then we get stuck there and forget the rest of the story. I’ll admit I’ve been guilty of that from time to time. However, that is not God’s desire for our life.
To be alive in Christ is to remember the truths that He has spoken and believe them. I can live free when I remember that in Romans 8:1, Paul says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Being truly alive is simply understanding the truth that we have been set free from sin, and now we find our purpose in Jesus. I don’t have to snowboard down a mountain or catch a giant fish to feel alive. After all, those are just temporary experiences and feelings that fade. What I truly need to be alive is to believe everything Jesus said He is and everything He said He would do.
Friday’s Reflection
Take some time today to meditate on Jesus’ words in John 8:12 (CSB):
”I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.”
