The Woman Caught in Adultery: Through Her Eyes
This fictional account is based on John 8:3-11 and depicts the thoughts and emotions of the woman caught in adultery. Through her perspective, we explore themes of fear, shame, judgment, and the unexpected grace she finds in her encounter with Jesus.
My heart races as they drag me through the narrow streets, their voices full of accusation and anger. Every face I pass wears a look of disgust or curiosity, and my shame only deepens. There’s no way out of this now; my sin is exposed. I am completely vulnerable, trapped by the law and by my guilt.
They push me forward until we stop before a man who looks different from the others—calm, compassionate, yet full of strength. Some call Him a teacher, even a prophet. I’ve heard His name is Jesus. But He isn’t looking at me with hatred or judgment. His gaze is steady, and in that moment, I feel a strange calm beneath my fear.
One of the men steps forward, his voice loud and condemning. “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?”
I close my eyes, bracing myself. I have no defense; I know the law. And they’re right—I am guilty. I am ready to hear His judgment, ready for the harsh words that are surely coming.
But instead, He says nothing. I open my eyes and watch as Jesus kneels down and begins to write in the dirt. He’s quiet, focused, as though He has all the time in the world. The men press Him for an answer, growing impatient. But He simply writes, calm and unaffected by their demands.
Then, slowly, He stands and looks directly at my accusers. His voice is steady and clear: “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.”
His words hang in the air, cutting through the crowd’s angry energy. Suddenly, the men around me begin to shift uncomfortably. I see their faces turn from anger to confusion, maybe even shame. I hear a thud as the first stone falls to the ground, then another, and another. Slowly, they all walk away, leaving their stones behind. I can hardly believe what is happening.
When I dare to look up, I find that Jesus and I are alone. He’s looking at me, not with the harshness I expected but with gentleness. He asks, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?”
I swallow, hardly able to find my voice, but I manage to say, “No one, Lord.”
Jesus nods, and with words I never thought I would hear, He says, “I do not condemn you, either. Go, and sin no more.”
I stand there, frozen in awe. He’s given me a chance—a chance to live differently, to leave my past behind. I don’t fully understand why He’s shown me this mercy, but I know that this moment changes everything. His words linger in my mind as I turn to leave, my shame replaced by a sense of hope.
I walk away with a new purpose, determined to honor the grace He has shown me. And as I go, His final words echo in my heart, reminding me that I am free to choose a new path.
2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”
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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.”
I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.
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