Episode Transcript  

One

The Woman with a Bad Past Life

At daybreak in Jerusalem, Jesus appeared in the Temple. As the people gathered around Him, He sat down and began to teach them. The scribes and Pharisees brought before Him a woman caught in the act of adultery. Making her stand there in full view of everyone, they said, “Master, this woman was caught in the very act. The Law of Moses commands us to stone such women. What do You say?”

They said this to test Him, looking for something to use against Him. But Jesus bent down and began writing on the ground with His finger. When they kept pressing Him, He looked up and said, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Then He bent down and continued writing on the ground.

One by one, beginning with the eldest, they walked away, until Jesus was left alone with the woman standing there. He looked up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

“No one, sir,” she replied.

“Neither do I condemn you,” said Jesus. “Go now, and do not sin anymore.”

Two

Before

Most of us have a past, a real one. One often filled with sin, even grave sin. Maybe for years. So, we’re not so different from the woman caught in adultery, are we? But Jesus comes to us before we deserve His goodness. He meets us at our worst. Right when we need Him the most, He is there, offering mercy, ready to forgive, if we will receive it.

Jesus and Mary came into my life when I was far from good. In fact, they came when I was at my worst. And from that moment on, nothing has been the same.

Every follower of Jesus has a not-so-great “before”: Peter, the impulsive fisherman. Matthew, the tax collector and traitor. Mary Magdalene, possessed by seven demons. The woman caught in adultery. God calls us in our “before,” when we’re blind to how broken we really are.

Why? Because He sees past our past. He sees what He created us to become. He calls us beyond the “before” into an amazing future.

Three

Take Israel, for example.

Isaiah told rebellious Israel, “I have called you by name; you are mine.” When he said that, Israel wasn’t faithful. They were resisting God, rejecting His love. But God didn’t turn away. He showed mercy. He spoke love over them. He claimed them before they ever agreed to be His. He entered into their “before.”

The same is true for us. Our past choices cannot cancel God’s future for us. What we see in the mirror doesn’t define what God sees or what His grace can do. Our brokenness doesn’t stop His plans. Neither do circumstances. Neither do other people. So, we have nothing to fear.

Four

Every follower of Jesus has a “before.”

Everyone, except Mary and Joseph, has a checkered “before” and a glorious “after.” Peter betrayed Jesus, then became the first Pope, and died for Christ. Matthew, the thieving tax collector, became an Apostle, a Gospel writer, and a martyr. Mary Magdalene, once filled with demons, was the first witness to the Resurrection and later brought the Gospel to France.

Jesus is not hung up on your “before.” What He cares about is now. Where is your heart now? Do you want to become all that God created you to be?

Five

Fear not. You are not what you were.

Do not be afraid—God can redeem your past and turn it to good.

Do not be afraid—God can heal your mind, your body, your soul, and your relationships.

Do not be afraid—you were made for more than you’ve experienced so far.

Do not be afraid—this is only the beginning.

Suggested Resolutions:

Choose one resolution for today to help you grow closer to God, or create your own. Here are some ideas to inspire you.

• This week, catch yourself before you judge others for their past, remembering that we aren’t sinless either.

• Take this opportunity to start fresh, go to confession, and recommit to breaking your habits even if you’ve just fallen.

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