Category Archives: Holy week

Neither do I condemn you.

“Neither do I condemn you.” Jesus’ words would have struck deeply at the heart of the woman caught in adultery, leaving her forever changed.

Our lives often mirror both the condemning Pharisees and the condemned adulterous woman. At times, we take the place of the Pharisees—self-righteous, proud, eager to be proven right. But to what extent does being right truly fulfill us? Does recognition complete us, or is it a fleeting comfort? And when we are proven wrong, the sting of humiliation can echo the silent retreat of the Pharisees, exposed and defeated. Yet in both moments—of fleeting triumph and of shame—there remains a hollowness. Neither vindication nor failure brings the lasting joy we seek.

There have been countless moments when we’ve walked the same painful path as the adulterous woman—lost in our sin, consumed by shame, and feeling hopelessly trapped by the weight of our own failures.

Just like most of us, in those moments, I yearn for the gaze of Jesus—for that still, sacred moment when He says, “Neither do I condemn you.” I long to hear those words—not just with my ears, but with my soul. To feel that healing grace wash over me, breaking the chains of shame, guilt and anxiety and replacing them with the pure, overwhelming joy of being truly seen, known, and forgiven.

Ask God questions; He answers..

By Dave Canovas

How far ahead did you see when your present was too agonizing? How far back did you have to look to remember that you were everything but a criminal?

How deep were those wounds of rebuke? When rebuked, how did you not blame?

How did you not break when they shattered you? The thorned crown, the scarlet robe – how did you take the shame?

When you fell carrying the weight of our sins, did you think us worthy? When you saw your mother, did you find solace in her gaze or felt disgrace?

As they buried the first nail on your flesh, were you afraid? When you were up, did you look down and see a multitude still worth loving?

When you rose, you showed us you are our God and King. But how were you not reminded of ruthlessness by those scars, that instead of counting the cost, you uttered “peace be with you”?

With each question, let me hear your voice, Lord. Let your voice silence my chaos; quench my longing. Let it heal me even for a moment.

Lord, let your voice give me rest.