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 and in the law Moses commanded us to stone such woman, now what do you say? They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus…”said to them , “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” … 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. Jesus… 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 8:3-11
Meditation:
This scenario is a perfect example of the gracious love that Jesus Christ has for us. This gracious love extended to us when we were still sinners.
The scribes and the Pharisees, men who basked in their own self-righteousness, brought forward a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. It is quite interesting to note that they did not bring the man the woman was with, considering the fact that it takes two to commit adultery. Anyway, the scribes and Pharisees were ready to see "justice" carried out. They had found someone who had committed an act they wanted punished. They wanted to condemn her and give her the ultimate punishment - stoning.
The Pharisees and the scribes also had ulterior motives. They wanted to use this situation to trap Jesus. If he ordered that the lady was to be killed, they were going to use that against Him. If he chose to let the woman go, they were going to use that against Him. The Pharisees and the scribes did not like Jesus at all, simply because he exposed the flaws within their self-righteousness. They were not ready to change their ways. They set their eyes on seeking revenge against Jesus instead.
You should never allow yourself to get to a point where you refuse to take correction. You will end up being as bitter and blinded as the Pharisees - and this is a life you do not want to live.
Jesus, who was well aware of their motives, ignored their baying for blood and proceeded to write on the floor. Then he got up, and simply told them that the one who is without sin should throw the first stone. He wasn't denying that justice was to be served, but he said that the person who does not have any sins should be the first to carry out justice.
The Pharisees and the scribes were brought down from their high horses and they all left with their heads bowed. When you get caught up in self-righteousness, you become bent on pointing out other people's sins instead of focusing on the flaws in your life. Such pride will always lead to an embarrassing fall. Remember that you, like this lady who was caught in the act of adultery, are a recipient of the gracious love of Jesus Christ. Jesus found you neck-deep in your sins and showed you that you are worthy of love and he loves you despite your sin. Without that love, you would not be free. Never be quick to forget that, as you deal with different people in the world. Love the sinner, hate the sin.
Prayer:
Gracious, Merciful and Loving God thank you for sending Jesus who paid in full for our sins and give us Salvation and Eternal Life! Help us every day to remember this merciful act, to surrender with humility to your will and to share the Good News of Salvation to everyone! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!
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