The woman brought before Jesus in the gospel of John and accused of adultery was at the complete mercy of the men who dragged her into a public space to shame her. She was caught in an act punishable by stoning. She could not speak up for or represent herself in a court of law. As a woman at that time, she was entirely dependent upon family (as a wife, daughter, sister) for her livelihood.
Jesus saw through the evil intentions of the Pharisees, straight to the brokenness of this woman and her desperation for restoration. Rather than condemning her for her sin, Jesus demonstrates his deep love for all His children, especially those in the margins.
“Jesus atoned for (covered) her sin, her shame, and generously lifted her up. He literally saved her life from the religious leaders who would certainly have stoned her to death if it were left up to them.” (Kristi McLelland, Jesus and Women).
Our perfect, sinless Savior is not damaged or made unclean by our sin, but rather His holiness cleanses and purifies us. In his grace and mercy, Jesus brought justice (mishpat) and righteousness (tzedakah) to the at-risk and marginalized everywhere he went, pulling them out of their shame and generously lifting them up and restoring their honor. (McLelland).
He is still doing the same for us today. Whether your sin has been put on display before a crowd or you have kept it hidden away in the dark, we all have areas of failure and shame in our lives. God already knows, and He is waiting for us to turn and seek forgiveness, that he might generously lift us out of our shame and into His glorious righteousness.