John 8:3-11
The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" They we're using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 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." Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" "No one, sir," she said.
""Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."
This well known episode in the book of John seems to have less to do with gender, and more to do with fairness and honest self-reflection. Those who brought the woman before Jesus were sure they would be able to lure Jesus into condoning violent punishment for this woman's sin, and it would be right in front of a group of his followers! The woman was not denying her sin, but those who brought her were ready and willing to judge her. Jesus points out it is not their job to judge, as they know they are themselves sinners. He succeeds in that each and every one of them walks away, admitting they are themselves sinners. When I am critical and judgmental, may I be reminded of this story, but more importantly, reminded of my own sins. Lord, forgive me for my judgmental nature. Amen
Becky, transforming