Jesus and the Woman Caught in Adultery

This bible story has been on my mind for the last few weeks. I don’t know why I’ve been so focused on it so I’m assuming God put it on my heart to write about it. Maybe someone out there is needing to hear this message of forgiveness. The other message here is to not judge or condemn, because we’re not so perfect ourselves. So, let’s get started!

John 8 vs. 1-11

Jesus went unto the Mount of Olives.

And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down and taught them.

And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery and when they had set her in the midst

They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.

Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned; but what sayest thou?

This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

Wait, wait, wait, just one minute. This sounds like a no-win situation for Jesus. If he says to not stone her then they will accuse him of not following the law. However, if he does say to stone her then they were planning on accusing him for that. Pretty sneaky. I love the way Jesus ignores them. I don’t think he’s doing that to be rude. I’m guessing that he sees their evil intent and he is giving them time to think about what they’re doing. Or maybe he wrote on the ground waiting for the crowd to simmer down or maybe he was letting them know who was running this show. I have no idea why he did this, but I’ve learned that with Jesus there is always a purpose. Even when he healed people; his words, actions and instructions were different for each person and situation.

So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

Wham! Love it. They are all geeked up and focused on the woman’s sin and intent on trapping Jesus, but with one sentence he takes the wind out of their sails. They are now forced to look inside their own evil hearts and ask themselves if they are without sin. I’m sure this brought into their minds, many, many wrongful things they had done.

And again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

Love it again. He’s giving them time to think about what he said. And to leave. Jesus wanted to talk to the woman and give her some reassurance. I’m guessing she needed a good dose of that right then.

And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last; and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

Jesus sure knows how to clear a room! (or temple yard)

When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no one condemned thee?

As soon as the men left, this woman could have took off, but she didn’t. I think she had been so traumatized that she didn’t know what to do. They were willing to have her bludgeoned to death with rocks just to get at Jesus. She had to be trembling and terrified.

She said, No man Lord.

Just a thought here. I sometimes wonder why she answered that way “No man Lord.” Jesus said to let he who was without sin cast the first stone. I’m assuming she had heard rumors that Jesus was the Son of God. The Messiah. He was sinless so he had the right to condemn her and stone her. It’s possible that she wasn’t sure if she was out of trouble just yet. Yes, the accusers left, but Jesus was still there.

And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

What beautiful words for her to hear. Jesus is saying he doesn’t condemn her, but he’s also telling her not to continue in that way of life. He’s giving her a chance to start over. He has just given her the greatest gift of all; forgiveness.

At the top of this post, I mentioned that I thought maybe someone out there needed to hear this. I still believe that, but the more that I focused on this story, the more I realized that this story does affect me too. Lately I’ve been experiencing anger towards certain individuals. Yes, I know I should forgive. Yes, I’ve prayed about it, yet I’ve still struggled with having a hard time forgiving certain people. I think God is telling me something here. He forgave the woman for her sin of adultery. Maybe I should forgive those who have hurt me. I’m not so perfect either, so who am I to judge anyone else?

Hmmm. You gotta love Jesus. He knows how to reach people. Have a great day and don’t be casting any stones at any one. (Unless you are without sin).