On this Easter Sunday, as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, I want to share a powerful message about God’s surprising love and grace. While Easter reminds us of Christ’s victory over death, today we’ll explore how that victory enables us to experience His transformative love in our own lives.
When Judgment Meets Grace
In the Gospel of John, Chapter 8, we encounter a dramatic scene that perfectly illustrates God’s heart for the broken. A woman, caught in adultery, is dragged before Jesus by religious leaders. Their intentions? Not justice, but to trap Jesus in an impossible situation.
“When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, ‘Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.'” – John 8:7
The Setup: A Divine Encounter
Consider this: The religious leaders had set up what they thought was the perfect trap:
- If Jesus said to stone her, He would violate Roman law
- If He said to let her go, He would contradict Mosaic law
- Either way, they thought they had Him cornered
The Power of Divine Response
But Jesus did something unexpected. Instead of falling into their trap, He bent down and began writing in the sand. What did He write? The Bible doesn’t tell us, creating one of scripture’s most intriguing mysteries. But what happened next reveals everything about God’s heart.
From Condemnation to Compassion
One by one, her accusers left. From the oldest to the youngest, they walked away, convicted by their own consciences. This moment teaches us something profound about judgment and grace:
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” – John 3:17
The Heart of Jesus Revealed
When everyone else had gone, Jesus asked the woman, “Where are your accusers? Has no one condemned you?” Her response, “No one, Lord,” led to one of the most beautiful moments of grace in scripture: “Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.”
Understanding God’s Dual Nature
This story reveals a crucial truth about God’s character. He is both:
- A loving Father who extends mercy
- A righteous Judge who calls for holiness
The Challenge: Embracing Grace and Truth
Here’s your challenge this week: Identify one area in your life where you’ve been either too harsh in judgment (of yourself or others) or too lenient with sin. Take it to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to help you find the balance between grace and truth.
“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” – John 1:17
Your Response to Grace
Like the woman in the story, each of us stands before Jesus with our own sins exposed. His response to us is the same: neither condemnation nor compromise, but rather an invitation to a new life. The question is: How will you respond?
Moving Forward in Freedom
Remember these key truths:
- God’s grace doesn’t excuse sin – it empowers change
- True mercy leads to transformation – “Go and sin no more”
- No one is beyond God’s grace – if He could forgive her, He can forgive you
A Prayer for Transformation
Let’s close with a prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for your amazing grace that meets us exactly where we are, yet loves us too much to leave us there. Help us to receive your forgiveness and extend it to others. Give us the strength to “go and sin no more,” knowing that your grace empowers us to live in freedom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Join us next Sunday as we continue our series on “God’s Surprises.” If this message has touched your heart, share it with someone who needs to experience God’s grace today.
This article is based on the Easter Sunday sermon delivered at ICA Macau. Watch the full message in the video above to dive deeper into this transformative truth.