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 8:7

For Meditation

There are tons of accusing fingers these days – too many stones with labels of condemnation, targeted at others. A lot of insinuations and fabrications fly around the innocent; too much suspicion to destroy every initiative.

He knew the inviolable intentions of their hearts. They did not care about the poor woman they had brought to Jesus to condemn. Get Him trapped by the law he claims to be the author if indeed He is the Messiah. How could He direct otherwise, but give the order to stone that poor woman?

Jesus kept His cool, writing in the sand – the fingers that scripted the Sinai commandments they revered and boasted in, but never understood. The eternal Word, now incarnate, stood before them. But who had eyes to see beyond their wicked intention and immediate empowerment?

“Let any of you who is without sin be the first to throw the stone at her.”

Their hands went limp. Their fingers loosened. What is that pile of stones there? One high enough to build a monument for hypocrisy and guilt? The older ones first, then the youth, stealing away like a defeated army without a welcoming crowd.

Stop, my friend, for the peace of your soul. Look deeply into your heart and observe enough undesirables to clean for days unending – enough to occupy your time and free you from yourself. There is enough there to send you to Calvary’s summit, where the cleansing blood flows freely to release you into the mercy and grace of God, that times of refreshing may come your way in Christ Jesus.

Now, can you cast that first stone?

Shalom, and good morning.