The Bleeding Woman felt so much shame over her condition even though it wasn't her fault. Can you imagine how it would feel to face Jesus with shame, knowing that it is the result of your own choices? That's the kind of woman I get to tell you about now.

One day, the Jewish religious leaders brought a woman to Jesus, forcing her to stand in front of Jesus and a large crowd while they announced their accusations, "This woman was caught in the act of adultery (meaning she slept with someone who was not her husband). In our law, Moses commands us to stone her to death."

Jesus replied, "All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone."

When they heard this, the woman's accusers began to walk away, one by one. Finally, only Jesus and the woman remained. "Where are your accusers? Doesn't anyone condemn you?"

"No, Lord."

"Then neither do I. Go now and leave your life of sin."

Jesus never said that her actions were ok, that it was fine or that she was justified in her unfaithfulness to her husband. All of us have brought shame upon ourselves in one way or another, haven't we? But Jesus did not condemn her. Knowing that He Himself would soon pay the penalty for her sinful life, He covered her shame and offered her forgiveness, a clean slate, and a chance at a new life.

In current vernacular, Jesus told the woman to do the next right thing. Don't be stuck in your past. Jesus has covered that. Today is a new day. You can't fix your mistakes, but you can make a new choice right now, and you don't have to do it alone. The Father of Lies (remember him, from Eve's Story?) wants you to believe that you are worthless, hopeless, but Jesus wants to speak Truth into your heart today, just like he did for that Unfaithful Woman. Choose Truth.

(A Kassi Revised Version of John 8:3-11)