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“The one who hasn’t sinned should throw the first stone.” Then they started to leave, one by one, beginning with the oldest ones. (John 8:7, 9, CEB)

The story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1–11) is often remembered for the beautiful grace Jesus gave the woman. But before Jesus offered her forgiveness, He delivered a devastating blow to her accusers. He didn't have to defend her innocence; He simply pointed out the cost of their own judgment.

The mob stood ready, eager to do what they thought was right under the law, stones clenched in their hands. But their true motivation wasn't justice; it was self-righteous anger and a desire to trap Jesus. They came to find fault and pass final judgment on someone else.

When Jesus straightened up from writing in the dirt and said, “The one who hasn’t sinned should throw the first stone,” the situation immediately flipped. Suddenly, the stones they were ready to throw at her were metaphorically weighing down their own hands. They came to expose her, but they left exposed themselves.

The passage highlights the powerful change: “Then they started to leave, one by one, beginning with the oldest ones.”

The "oldest ones" likely had the longest memories—they remembered the most past mistakes, the most hidden faults, and the most times they had failed to live up to the law they were now so ready to enforce. The crushing weight of hypocrisy was too much to carry alongside a stone.

This isn't just a story about ancient history; it's a constant warning about the high cost of judgment in our own lives:

  • Judgment isolates. When you sit in judgment of others—whether that's a celebrity, a politician, or a family member—you distance yourself from them and from the common human struggle we all share.

  • Judgment blinds. It blinds you to your own hidden faults. The accusers couldn't see their own spiritual condition until Jesus forced them to look inward.

  • Judgment drains. Carrying the spiritual weight of condemning others is exhausting. The mob left one by one, drained by their own need to look perfect before throwing a stone.

Jesus teaches that the act of judging others demands a level of spiritual perfection none of us possess. Before we assume the role of judge, Jesus asks us to check the mirror first. If we are honest, that mirror always shows us someone in desperate need of the same mercy we withhold from others.

Let's drop our stones and experience the profound freedom that comes from admitting we all need grace.

 

Reflection: What specific group or person are you currently quick to judge or condemn? What "stone" are you still holding onto?

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for showing us the hidden price of condemnation. Give me the strength to drop the stones I am carrying and to forgive those I've placed judgment upon. I confess that I, too, am a sinner and need Your forgiveness for [the harsh words I spoke, the envy I felt, the gossip I shared, etc.]. Amen.

 

Do you have questions and want to go deeper? Doubt isn't the enemy; it's the start. Let's have an honest conversation with Pastor Vic. Text COFFEE to 509-509-2231 to set up a time to chat.