Two teachers of the law grip each of my wrists. They drag me up to the temple courts. I am unclean. Why do they bring me here?
Our scuffling attracts attention. My hair hangs around my face, hiding me. Forcing me to the front, they stand me alone. A young rabbi is teaching. He must be popular—there’s a crowd. The rabbi stops and looks right at me. I feel startled, but strangely, not threatened. I look away.
“Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the law, Moses commands us to stone such individuals. What do you say?†A Pharisee asks.
They’re the experts in the law. Why do they ask this young teacher?
The rabbi bends down and begins writing in the fine dust on the floor of the temple. Why doesn’t he answer? Why do they prolong the judgment? Stoning is better than this humiliation.
“What is your answer, Jesus?†another Pharisee asks. “We’re waiting.â€
This Jesus stands up and looks at each of the leaders in turn. I can hear my own heartbeat.
Then He speaks, “Let the one who is without sin throw the first stone at her.†He bends down and continues writing in the dust.
The silence is broken by sandaled footsteps. I peek up through my hair. The oldest Pharisee is leaving! And soon, to my astonishment, they all leave until only Jesus and I remain. He finally quits writing: “Woman,†He says, “where are they? Has no one condemned you?â€
A shudder of tears shakes me from my throat to the pit of my stomach. “No one, sir.â€
“Then neither do I condemn you.†His tone, His eyes, everything, declares an intense authority. “Go now and leave sin behind.†• H. K. Rausch
• Jesus revealed that the Pharisees, though obeying the law well outwardly, were no better than the woman disobeying the law outwardly. How can we be more like Christ when we’re tempted to be legalistic in our view of others?
• What is one thing you’ve done that you believe is unforgivable by God? What truth from Scripture can you find that will release you from guilt?
“Neither do I condemn you,†said Jesus. “Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.†John 8:11b (CSB)
Read Verses:
John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:1-4
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