Are You Without Sin?
John 8:3-11
By delving into this narrative involving Jesus Christ, the scribes, and the Pharisees, we learn vital lessons on judgment, human imperfection, and the role of law and grace.
Introduction
In a somewhat comical episode, a child in a Bible class was jolted awake and asked what Jesus wrote in the dirt. The boy humorously responded, "Hmm, I used to know but I forgot." This innocent forgetfulness parallels the deliberate negligence of the scribes and Pharisees in the episode detailed in John 8. They were so focused on trapping Jesus that they failed to understand or remember the essence of the laws they professed to uphold. Let's dissect their actions, questions, and Jesus' responses to extract valuable lessons.
Discussion
The Double Standard (John 8:4)
The woman was caught "in the very act" of committing adultery, but conspicuously missing was the man involved. Adultery, by definition, involves two individuals. So, the absence of the man shows that the scribes and Pharisees were not acting out of a desire for justice but were rather intent on trapping Jesus. This skewed sense of justice raises the issue of the accusers' actual motivations.
Fool's Folly (John 8:5)
The scribes and Pharisees quoting the Law of Moses to Jesus borders on absurdity. According to John 1:1-3, Jesus was instrumental in the creation of the universe, making Him the ultimate authority on any law, divine or human. The accusers were under the mistaken impression that they had trapped Jesus between the old Mosaic Law, which would require the woman's execution, and Roman law, which did not allow the Jews to carry out capital punishment. They failed to recognize who they were challenging.
Jesus' Confidence (John 8:6)
Instead of immediately responding to the accusers, Jesus bent down and wrote on the ground, as if not bothered by their provocation. His action offers a countermeasure to the impulsive reactions people often display when confronted with gossip or scandal. Would congregations today benefit from a more thoughtful, less reactive response to internal conflicts? The answer is likely affirmative.
Wisdom Overcomes Foolishness (John 8:7-9)
Jesus finally stood up and responded, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." This statement echoed the Mosaic Law that required the witness to be the first to cast a stone in capital punishment cases (Deuteronomy 17:7). Struck by the wisdom and authority of Jesus' words, the accusers, one by one, began to depart, leaving only the woman and Jesus.
The Remaining Characters (John 8:10-11)
The woman, probably disheveled and humiliated, was left standing alone with Jesus. Once her accusers had departed, Jesus posed a question: "Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee?" When she confirmed that none had, Jesus expressed neither condemnation nor condonation but rather commanded her to "Go, and sin no more."
Conclusion
As we observe this event, we must introspectively consider our motivations when we confront or accuse others. Are we seeking justice and repentance, or is it a power play, a desire to condemn? Moreover, our own moral standing is thrown into question when we rush to judge others. The episode teaches us to harmonize law and grace, justice and mercy. Before laying bare someone else's sins, we must first assess our own spiritual and moral state. Let us strive to embody the wisdom, grace, and righteousness that Christ exemplified in this complex situation.