Beech Tree News Network

As sinful folks, we are all tempted to look outward at the faults of others in order for us to feel better about ourselves.  Our delight in the failings of others can actually be a soothing balm that we rub on to dull the pain of our own sins and shortcomings.  The relief is only temporary.  In addition to trying to box Jesus in a corner, I suspect the scribes and Pharisees that we find in the Gospel of John may have been accusing the "woman caught in adultery" as a way to avoid looking at the sin in their lives.  We all make this mistake.  

Consider the scripture below.  It is a story of second chances. Thus, I think the story would be best named "the mercy of Jesus" rather than the "woman caught in adultery."   

The Gospel of John (8:1-11)

Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.  But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area, and all the people started coming to him, and he sat down and taught them.  Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle.  They said to him,“Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery.  Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women.  So what do you say?” They said this to test him, so that they could have some charge to bring against him.  Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger.  But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he bent down and wrote on the ground.  And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders.  So he was left alone with the woman before him.  Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they?  Has no one condemned you?”  She replied, “No one, sir.”  Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you.  Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”

This story, penned centuries ago, is rich with lessons that are applicable today.  It also begs a few questions.  Where were these religious folks and what were they doing when they caught this woman "in the very act of adultery"? Where's the man as adultery is typically a two-way street?  Were the scribes and Pharisees as concerned about the man's moral failings as they were the woman's?  What do you think Jesus is writing on the ground?  All are interesting questions but not the topic of this writing.

Suspicious of Jesus from the start, the scribes and Pharisees were doing their best to create a no-win situation for Jesus.   Does Jesus go against the law of Moses (by not stoning her) or the law of Rome, which typically did not call for capital punishment in cases like these.  In reality, He does neither by essentially turning the table on the woman's accusers.  They underestimated Him.

Why are we so quick to condemn but slow to forgive?  Quick to accuse but slow to grant mercy?  Quick to judge but slow to show compassion or understanding?  I suspect that it is because we often confuse forgiveness, mercy, and compassion, with  acceptance, sanctioning, and approval.  In other words, we fear that if our response to another's sin isn't harsh enough, then we are in essence condoning the sin.  That's not the case.  Jesus, by showing mercy and compassion to the woman accused of adultery, is not sanctioning sin.  In fact, by saying "Go, and from now on do not sin any more," Jesus is essentially acknowledging her initial sin of adultery.  However, by not condemning the woman publicly, Jesus is offering her a second chance, a path through her difficulties, and hope for the future.  Are we doing the same for those around us who are battling their own demons, struggling with doubt, flirting with despair, burdened by sin?  If our goal is to advance the cause of Christ, then how we answer this question is important.   Why?  Because each one of us is that woman in the circle.  Perhaps our sin is different but our status as sinners in need of redemption is where we find common ground with all people.  We are all in the same boat - us, the woman, the scribes and Pharisees - and the mercy of Christ is our only way to the shore.  

* * *  

John Embry is the co-founder and vice-president of Beech Tree News & WLBQ 1570 AM.  He teaches 8th grade American History at Butler County Middle School and is the head softball coach at BCHS and BCMS.  John is married to Beth and they have one daughter, five-year-old Isabella Faye; and one son, Will Lincoln (almost five months).  They live in Aberdeen - site of the original "beech tree." He can be reached at [email protected].