# Jesus, Mercy, and the Stone
*2015-03-15*

> Bill reflects on John 8:3‑11, where Jesus challenges the accusers of the adulterous woman and offers her forgiveness, urging us to examine our own judgment.

## The Scripture Passage

In today’s reading from John 8:3‑11, the scribes and Pharisees bring a woman caught in adultery before Jesus. “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now, according to the law of Moses, we are to stone such a woman. What do you say?” They ask, hoping to trap Him.

Jesus bends down and writes on the ground with His finger. When they continue to press Him, He straightens up and says, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” He then returns to writing on the ground. Convicted, the accusers leave one by one, beginning with the elders, until only Jesus and the woman remain.

## Jesus’ Response to the Woman

Jesus looks up and asks, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replies, “No one, sir.” He answers, “Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again.”

## Reflection on Mercy and Judgment

How often does Christ meet us without condemnation, extending God’s mercy and forgiveness? How frequently do we judge others without knowing the whole story? When we turn away from conversion, feeling shame or embarrassment, we may realize we have judged unfairly. Yet Christ died once for all of us, offering a path to true repentance and renewal.

*Jesus invites us to replace judgment with mercy, remembering that only He can truly forgive.*