Should I be ashamed that I most identified with the woman caught in adultery?

on Jun 30, 2026

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: A Bible study leader asked each in attendance who they most identified with from Scripture. Some said Mary, others Ruth or Esther. One lady in tears said Hannah, who longed for a child and nearly gave up. When it came to me, I was ashamed to say that I most identified with the woman caught in adultery. Though Jesus forgave her, it still seems a sad choice. – A.W.

A: When the adulterous woman was brought to Jesus by the Pharisees, they demanded that she be stoned. Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground. Whatever He wrote that day made the accusers leave one by one. Jesus then asked the woman, “‘Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, Lord.’” In that moment her life was transformed, and Jesus said to her, “‘Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more’” (John 8:10–11, NKJV).

This impure woman was the symbol of all those who are held in the grip of sin. She had sinned, but she found forgiveness in Jesus Christ. When repented of, Christ can do only one thing with sin: He forgives it. “God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:17, KJV).

When Christ died on the cross, He died for the sins of those who confess to the Savior, believe Him as God’s Son, Christ Jesus, and receive His forgiveness and love. This is the beginning of a new life. When we humble ourselves before God and say, “Help me empty myself and be filled up with You,” He sends His Holy Spirit to take up residence. This is the miracle He has performed for the souls of mankind.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)