Stone Throwers

Jesus was teaching in the temple and a bunch of self-righteous busy bodies called “the scribes and Pharisees” dragged in a woman “caught in adultery”. They had a challenge for Jesus. They asked, “Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?” John 8:5. I have always wondered where the man was and which “law” they were talking about. For if the law they referred to was Deuteronomy 22:23-24, which specifically mentions stoning as punishment for adultery then both parties should have been brought to the temple.

As we are told in John 8:6, the real intentions of these people was to test Jesus. Anyway, whatever answer they were looking for was definitely not what they got. “…He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”” John 8:7. Needless to say none could master the courage to throw a stone; by that answer Jesus forced them to shine a light on themselves.

In that moment some realized there were liars, cheats, thieves, lustful, gossips, bullies, etc. Convicted by their own consciences, one by one they turned and walked away. Jesus mercifully turned to the woman, asked her to leave and commanded her to sin no more.

I want us to shine the light on ourselves today for just a moment. Sometimes we act no different from the Pharisees. We throw stones at those we think are too sinful; beyond salvation; who just won’t turn from that nasty lifestyle. Some of us have turned away from people we know and love because we are tired of their inability or unwillingness to turn away from sin.

Those of us who are saved were once like that too, full of the darkness of sin until the Light of the World extended grace to us. Because we reached out, touched His outstretched hand and received salvation, we feel all kinds of superior. Truth is, what those we throw stones at really need is our prayer!! Let us continually bring them to Christ in prayer until they come to Him.

Until Jesus returns, no one is a lost cause, every unbeliever or backslidden believer is still a potential brother or sister in Christ. Since we received grace freely, let us freely extend same.

Unclench your hand, drop the stone, clasp those hands together and say a prayer for both the lost and the struggling believer.

Blessings!

Love, Lady Monica