She was caught….brought before one who would surely condemn her to death. The Law commanded she be stoned.

The hungry wolves drooled with anticipation as they persisted in their questions. What do you say, Jesus? She’s been caught in the act of adultery! The Law commands we stone her! What do you say? Answer us!

It must’ve driven them mad when He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Did he draw a heart? A cross? Did he write I love you with his finger? Did He draw a line, warning the wolves not to go too far?

Instead of condemning her in her most humiliating and terrifying moment, He came not only to her defense, but to her rescue.

He straightened, probably meeting their haughty gazes, inviting any without sin to throw the first stone. Without worry, he stooped and began to write again as, one by one, they all left.

They had no interest in her pardon, nor their own.

He straightened again, surely with compassion in His eyes, and feigned ignorance: Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?

Then…the only three words she spoke: No one, Lord. No self-defense; no self-abasement.

Finally, words that must’ve caused her to exhale with relief: Neither do I condemn you; go your way. From now on sin no more. No behavior management program put in place for her to prove herself acceptable. No church disciplinary action. No calendar to mark off the months until such time as He deemed her worthy enough to be used.

Just freely-poured, abundant Grace! Grace that cost the Giver his life, and the recipient nothing.

I doubt she viewed her grace experience as cheap. I doubt she viewed the telling of her story as a gimmick. Instead, I believe she held it as a priceless treasure, and wanted others to know how Jesus had rescued her.

The free gift of undeserved grace cannot be cheapened. In fact, its value multiplies every time it’s shared.

Whether it’s an adulterer, an abuser, or an addict…grace changes the one who receives it.

Grace changed me.