We live in a world of critics.  We are critics!  In fact, this may be the only attitude in which we can all agree upon!  The world has become so good at “critical thinking” which used to be a form of scientific study, a skill we teach in schools for problem solving, to an outrageous monster of self-satisfaction as we perfect the skill of critical judgement.

We humans seem to think we have a “right” to judge every detail of another human’s being and behavior.  Human nature has not developed this tool of critical thinking to problem solve or invent great tools to help people; but rather most often as a method of judgmental behavior to cover up their own inabilities.  We are quick to bring others down, lifting ourselves up and over our victims as a power play, taking the attention off our own sins.  We have surely missed the point, once more.

Jesus brings our thinking back into Kingdom of God focus…

John 8, The Message

To Throw the Stone

^1-2 Jesus went across to Mount Olives, but he was soon back in the Temple again. Swarms of people came to him. He sat down and taught them.

^3-6 The religion scholars and Pharisees led in a woman who had been caught in an act of adultery. They stood her in plain sight of everyone and said, “Teacher, this woman was caught red-handed in the act of adultery. Moses, in the Law, gives orders to stone such persons. What do you say?” They were trying to trap him into saying something incriminating so they could bring charges against him.

^6-8 Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger in the dirt. They kept at him, badgering him. He straightened up and said, “The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone.” Bending down again, he wrote some more in the dirt.

^9-10 Hearing that, they walked away, one after another, beginning with the oldest. The woman was left alone. Jesus stood up and spoke to her. “Woman, where are they? Does no one condemn you?”

¹¹ “No one, Master.”

“Neither do I,” said Jesus. “Go on your way. From now on, don’t sin.”]

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Jesus, the One and Only Son of God, qualified with authority, Perfect and Holy, without sin, with every right in heaven and on earth to judge—did not.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17

Jesus turns the “trap” into a test for the criticizers.  Ah, so who is perfect among us?  Come forward, you get the prize of throwing the first stone at this woman you are using and abusing for your own gain.  It was Moses’ Law to stone anyone caught in adultery—the woman, of course, was the easiest to bring forward. 

Yes, I’m reading “between the lines” as I try to imagine the crime scene.  It could be that the woman was seduced by one of the men in the circle of criticism and judgement.  Women had no rights in this culture where it was acceptable for men to treat women as slaves to their every need.  If you were a widowed woman; all rights were lost.  If you had no family willing to take you in, then you had to survive on begging—or selling your body. Your “living” was done in the dark, with no hope for the future.  Then Jesus came and changed everything.

The woman was shielded by Jesus while He dealt with your accusers.  Jesus knew their hearts.  Jesus knew that this was a trap but he turns the trap into a teachable moment for all involved. 

Jesus first bends down and writes in the dirt.  What is He writing?  ALL of us want to know—but we do not.  With our critical minds, we might think Jesus is listing all the men’s names who have been with this woman.  He might be writing scripture written by the prophets, maybe even Hosea, that the men in the circle might relate to.  We do not know.  Theologians do not really know what Jesus wrote in the dirt.  But we do know this:  Jesus did not condemn her.  With the love and compassion from God that was in Jesus, He lifted her from the dirt and sent her on her way with a tender message—“Go and sin no more.”

In other words, “I see you.”  I’m reminded of Hagar, Abraham’s concubine with whom he had his first child because he didn’t trust God.  She was sent away to die in the dessert with the child. A coverup for sin?  See Genesis 16. God minister to Hagar and Ismael in the desert.  Hagar named God for what He provided to her—worth.  She referred to him as “the God who sees me.” Jesus did not think culturally but spiritually.  His behaviors are a result of Kingdom of God thinking with wisdom coming from God. Jesus, like God, gave worth to all God created. 

Jesus’ love and concern for this woman, who is judged as the lowest in society—below the animals who are used to give what is needed, is shown compassion in His response to her.  “Go and sin no more.”  This life is not for you.  There is a better life for you than this. 

Jesus later died and rose again so that this woman, along with the rest of the believing world, will be saved for eternity.  Let that thought sink in for a moment.

Close your eyes with me. 

If we listen closely, we can hear each heavy stone of judgement drop to the ground.

Lord,

As we live our lives there will be many traps to test our resolve to live like you taught us to live.  Cleanse our hearts of criticism and sarcasm that so easily flows from our lips.  Renew our minds and transform our thinking with love and compassion as the first thought we have for each other.  Refresh our souls with your new mercies that remind us that you “see us” for who we are with love and help for us to be fully who you created us to be.  Restore the joy of your salvation at work within us who are, indeed, the redeemed by you.  Help us to live like redeemed people driven to point the way to you so others can also be “seen” and saved for eternity.

In Jesus Name, Amen

How can we change our minds?  THINK before we speak.  Use this filter:

T—Is what I am about to say Truth?

H—Is what I am about to say Helpful to the hearers?

I—Is what I am about to say going to Inspire worth and provide encouragement?

N—Is what I am about to say really Necessary and uplifting or just random yammer?

K—Above all, is what I am about to say going to be Kind—from a heart that loves like Jesus?