This is the conclusion of the matter. Jesus has dealt with the hardness and judgmental attitude of her accusers and He now deals with the woman.

Note that Jesus does not forgive her. Why not? Because she hasn’t repented of her sins. Compare this with the sinful woman who anointed His feet with the tears of her repentance in Luke 7:37-50. His response to her was (Luke 7:48, 50). Jesus didn’t come as an earthly judge, and He didn’t come to condemn. Jesus came to earth to save us (John 3:17). Jesus shows mercy and demands righteousness from the woman, as He does from us (Rom 6:1-2).

Luke 7:48  Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

Luke 7:50  Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

John 3:17  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Rom 6:1-2 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning, so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?

This passage is all about justice verses mercy. How can a holy, just God give mercy to those who deserve condemnation? It is only because He provided the way by sending His Son to take our place and pay the penalties for our sin. We receive mercy only when we accept His payment. After we receive, then we are also to show that mercy to others, hating their sin, but loving the sinner and trying to help them come into a saving relationship with Christ.

In conclusion, there was One there who was without sin and could have cast the first stone, but He didn’t. Why not? Because His heart is full of mercy and not condemnation (Mat 9:13). Have you trusted your heart to Him?

Mat 9:13  But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”