... He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.
John 8:7
It is so easy to focus on the negatives in others or just see their bad behavior. In fact the more we get to know people, the easier it is to see their flaws and bad habits. And when all we can see is what others are doing wrong, then we have nothing left to offer them except our pride and ego--and that never saved anyone.
Jesus has called us to mercy. That doesn't mean that we are people without justice. It means that we love others and look for the best in them. It means that we look at people through the eyes of Christ. And that means that we take the log out of our own eyes before trying to remove the spec in our someone else's eyes.
In today's passage a woman was caught in the very act of adultery. This was a crime punishable by stoning according to the law of the Old Testament. (Leviticus 20:10) She was brought to Jesus to try to make Him the bad guy. It was a lose-lose scenario. If he said it was okay, then they could accuse Him of not obeying God's law and He would lose credibility. If He said to kill her, they could point out that he was cruel and without compassion. But Jesus couldn't be caught in a trap! He is the Master! He knew just what to do to fulfil the law and yet show mercy!
There is no explanation, but Scriptures say, "He wrote on the ground with His finger" and then He said some of the best words ever. "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." Wow! And then He continued to write on the ground! And then they left being convicted by their conscience! What a story!
Jesus didn't focus on what she had done wrong. He didn't look at her in all her ugliness. He saw someone that He was going to die for. He saw someone that He created to be beautiful and wonderful and full of life! He saw a woman changed by His mercy and love! He saw her and forgave her and lifted her up and set her on the right path!
That is what we should be like! We need to love like Jesus loved! We need to show the same mercy towards others that He has shown to us! He has told us that He requires us to do justly and to love mercy. Let us pray that our hearts and our attitudes towards others will be the merciful heart of Jesus!
Blessings to you!
I'm always amazed at Jesus' responses whenever the Pharisees tried to trap him in legalities
I want to see everyone through Jesus’ eyes ❤️
Great message Devin!