By Rae Lynn DeAngelis
“Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7).
I came across this passage in John chapter eight recently, and although I’ve read it before, I was able to see it in a whole new light.
The story of the adulteress woman makes me cringe. Not because I can relate to her particular sin, but because I, like her, yield to temptation and miss the mark on a daily basis. My sins may look different, but they are no less damaging.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 8:23).
Slowing things down, let’s read this story with a fresh pair of eyes.
“At dawn [Jesus] appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery” (John 8:2-4).
Can you imagine the humiliation! Caught in the act of adultery and then hauled off to be judged by the equivalent of one’s church pastor.
After they brought her to Jesus they said,
“‘In the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?’ They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him” (John 8:5-6).
Did you get that? The religious leaders had ulterior motives. They had no empathy or concern for this woman slumped over in shame. She was merely a pawn in their game of chess, easily expendable. But Jesus, knowing their true motives, already had His counter move in place.
Why?
Because this woman mattered immensely to Jesus!
While the law reveals God’s standard for holy living, Jesus reveals God’s character and His love for people. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
John tells us in verse two that Jesus had gone to the temple courts to teach… and did He ever teach!
“But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, ‘Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her'” (John 8:6-7).
The original Greek word used here for writing is grapho. One of its meanings caught my attention because it said: Things not to be forgotten… those things which stand written in the sacred books of the Old Testament.
After reading this particular definition, I began to wonder if Jesus was referencing the Ten Commandments when He wrote in the sand, simply implying: If you are going to judge this woman on the seventh commandment (do not commit adultery) it would be wise for you to see how you fare against the other nine. Take a look in the mirror at your own sins before your throw stones at someone else.
The purpose of the law is to reveal mankind’s brokenness and need for a savior. Jesus came to heal our brokenness and be that Savior. “Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” (Matthew 9:12)
Praise God! Jesus is able to forgive each and every sin, no matter how heinous.
“Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left with the woman still standing there” (John 8:8-9).
One by one the religious leaders left. They got the message. Their sin was no different than the woman they were condemning.
“Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” ‘No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. Go now and leave your life of sin’” (John 8:10-11).
Have you felt the sting of judgement, coming from those claiming to be less sinful? Do you fear that others would abandon you if they knew what went on behind closed doors?
I felt so much shame from my eating disorder that I kept my sin-filled addictions tucked neatly away from the judging eyes of others… even my husband.
Then something miraculous happened. I brought my sin out into the light, and instead of stones being thrown like the woman caught in adultery, Jesus (along with others) showed me love, compassion, and forgiveness.
Sweet sister, if you are carrying around the heavy burden of guilt, condemnation, or shame, I encourage you to go to Jesus and let Him set you free. Bring into light that which is hidden in darkness, and start walking in a different direction.
As you stand before the throne of grace in humble submission, Jesus is ready, willing, and more than able to bestow on you a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. You will be called an oak of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor (Isaiah 61:3).
