[320 words]
“And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act” (John 8:3-4).
I’m not sure why I chose the story of the adulterous woman brought to Jesus for my personal study this morning (cf. John 8:1-11). Maybe its because I, as I reflect upon my past judgments of others, treated them as did those scribes and Pharisees. Maybe its because I, like this woman, have felt the loneliness and guilt that accompanies sin and the need for a Savior. I think it’s more likely that I chose this story this morning because I needed to hear once more the words of my Master.
To the harsh and critical scribes and Pharisees He said, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her” (John 8:7). To the woman who had been caught in the act of adultery He said, “Neither do l condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:11). I need to be less critical and more compassionate toward others. The “Golden Rule” must always be applied (Mat. 7:12). It’s imperative that we hate the sin and at the same time love the sinner. I, like this woman, am guilty and stand condemned. But thankfully, I have a Savior and Advocate who loves me and desires that I be free from sin and death (1 John 2:1-3). And such is obtainable if I, by faith, respond by leaving my former life of sin and begin living for Him in obedience to His will (cf. Rom. 8:1).
Upon closer examination, I find myself with stone in hand, and at the same time, in the midst of those ready to stone me. I pray that I will have the compassion to lay my stone down and the courage and resolve to go and sin no more.
Terry R. Townsend
Curry church of Christ
Jasper, AL