She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more — the woman responds to Jesus as 'Lord' (Kyrie), a title of respect and perhaps faith. Jesus's response is mercy without compromise: 'Neither do I condemn thee.' This is not because he denies her guilt or the Law's jurisdiction, but because Jesus comes not to condemn (krínō) the world but to save it (3:17). He sends her away with a command: 'sin no more.' The imperative (mēketi hamartane) calls for repentance and transformed life. Mercy is offered, but it carries moral demand.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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