WHEN THE DUST SETTLES
They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, "All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!" Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.
John 8:6-8 (NLT)
Probably one of the most curious and controversial stories in the Bible is this one concerning the woman caught in adultery. The teachers of the religious law and the Pharisees brought this woman before the crowd and inquired of Jesus about her fate. Jesus responded not with, Okay, stone her to death, instead He stooped down and wrote something in the dust. We're not sure exactly what He wrote, then He stood up, presenting a heart check for those in the crowd by saying, "... let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone." Then a second time, He stooped down and wrote in the dust again. One by one, her accusers disappeared, and as the dust settled, Jesus was left alone standing with the woman. His response was, "Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you?" I'm sure the woman's response was in shock, and she stated, No, Lord, then Jesus retorted, "Neither do I. Go and sin no more."
This story shares a clear awareness of what happens when we judge others based on what we desire to happen in our version of justice. Whether it's people currently in our lives or those from our past, are we seeking justice for their sinful actions against us or even against God? If we put ourselves in the place of the woman in this story, ask yourself, what would Jesus write in the dust for us to read? Jesus desires us to be part of people's restoration, not condemnation. Jesus approached this situation with empathy and compassion. He didn't approve of the sin or let her off the hook. He chose to stand in her place with her, allowing her to turn to Him and away from sin.
APPLICATION: How many stones do you have ready for action against someone today? Seek Jesus and His understanding and forgiveness. Lay the stones down and instead, ask Jesus to use them to build a bridge towards forgiveness with others.
PRAYER: Dear Father, I can hold onto baggage and harbor bitterness, or I can choose to lay these things down and trust you with them. Today, soften my heart toward You and toward others. Thank You. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?