The flashing lights of the police car drew my attention to a motorist who had been pulled over for a traffic offence. As the officer, ticket book in hand, walked back to his car I could clearly see the embarrassed driver sitting helplessly behind the wheel of her car. With her hands she attempted to block her face from the view of passersby—hoping to hide her identity. Her actions were a reminder to me of how embarrassing it can be when we are exposed by our choices and their consequences.

When a guilty woman was brought before Jesus and her actions were exposed, the crowd did more than just watch. They called for her judgement, but Jesus showed mercy. The only One with the right to judge sin responded to her failure with compassion. After rejecting her accusers, “Jesus said to her, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more’ ” (John 8:11). His compassion reminds us of His forgiving grace, and His command to her points to His great desire that we live in the joy of that grace. Both elements show the depth of Christ’s concern for us when we stumble and fall.

Even in our most embarrassing moments of failure, we can cry out to Him and find that His grace is truly amazing.

Jesus alone can supply the grace we need for each trial we face.

Author

Bill Crowder

Topics

Our Daily Bread