Two Perspectives: Judgement and Mercy

There is an interesting story found in the book of John, chapter 8- a story you might have heard before.  It tells of one of the many times that the church leaders of Jesus’s time attempted to ensnare him with a moral dilemma.  Bringing before him a woman caught in adultery, they cited Mosaic law, which mandated stoning for such transgressions and asked for his judgement.  The situation appeared impossible: endorsing stoning would contradict his teachings of love and compassion, yet disregarding the law would defy his adherence to Jewish customs.

Jesus, pausing to write in the sand, seems to ignore them.  When pressed for an answer, he simply says “let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” 

With these simple, yet powerful words, he exposed the hypocrisy of their judgment. As the accusers departed, starting with the eldest, Jesus remained with the woman.

The sequence of departures, from oldest to youngest, hints at varying degrees of introspection or wisdom.

Jesus's admonition reverberates through time, challenging us to scrutinize our own inclinations towards judgment. Accusations of our justice system or capital punishment may surface, but instead Jesus urges introspection rather than external critique- Jesus encourages us to look in the mirror.

This introspective gaze compels us to confront our own biases, prejudices, and tendencies to condemn others.  When we heed Jesus's call to self-examination, we confront the uncomfortable truths about our own shortcomings and moral failings. We recognize the times when we've been quick to judge, to cast stones of condemnation without fully understanding the complexities of another's circumstances. In this self-reflection, we discover the humility needed to extend grace and compassion, mirroring the example set by Jesus.

Continuing the encounter, after the accusers left, Jesus asked the woman if anyone remained to condemn her.  When she said no, Jesus extended mercy. “Neither do I condemn you- go and from now on, sin no more.”  Notice that Jesus didn’t tell her she was off the hook; Jesus didn’t tell her to run along and keep doing what she was doing; Jesus didn’t make light of her sin.  Instead, Jesus showed compassion and grace. Instead of condemnation, Jesus offered redemption and guidance for transformation.  Jesus’ response showed that he knew what the woman had been, but had hope for what the woman could become.  This narrative epitomizes divine hope, recognizing the past while nurturing potential for renewal. In God's eyes, no matter where we’ve been, who we are, or what we have done, each of us carries this promise of transformation, and Christ offers to us the same invitation: go and sin no more.