stephen R Harrison

“They cheated on me. They were caught in adultery.” What is the first thing you think about when you hear those statements? Do you want to condemn, judge, or hate? Perhaps you feel hurt, in denial, or even desire revenge. In John 8:1-12, we see a woman caught in adultery that was brought to Jesus. Now, it takes two people to commit adultery, and why the man wasn’t brought to Jesus, I’ll never understand – what a double standard!

Nevertheless, this guilty woman was brought to Jesus for Him to deal with her. She was placed before Him shortly after being taken from the sexual encounter. Some scholars think she was brought from the very act and not even given time to redress herself. The Law of Moses (Leviticus 20:10) stated she should be stoned. This punishment, however, was usually reserved for someone who had been previously caught and warned of adultery. This meant she was most likely a repeat offender. So, not only has she done this once, it seems she had not been repentant the last time and is “back to her old ways.” Multiple affairs hurt.

Jesus responded, “He who is without sin cast the first stone.” Does this mean, “Everyone sins, stop judging her”? Not at all. Jesus was not being soft on sin. He was saying, “Judge righteously,” just as he had told them in John 7:19-24. He was saying help restore her gently, don’t kill her. Lead her towards truth and grace, not revenge and destruction. Not only does he answer their question, but he also does something extraordinary. He stoops down and begins to write in the dirt. How odd! Was He avoiding the question? Was He looking away from a lady who could be barely dressed being taken from the act of adultery? Maybe. But Jesus was writing in the dirt to portray the divine command of God concerning sin – written by the finger of God. Jesus told us God’s response was His response and should be our response. Jesus was saying everyone sins, no one is innocent, and we should act with mercy and understanding when approaching people in sin (Galatians 6:1-2 says it could be us in that sin). These Pharisees were out for blood, vengeance, and embarrassment, not restoration, grace, and truth. Their condemnation of this sin probably took the emphasis off of their sins. Oh, how we love to point out the sins of others as well. Jesus also reminded them of Deuteronomy 17:2-7, which said the accusers must be the ones to cast the stones. When Jesus looked up from writing in the dirt, no one was there to accuse or throw stones anymore. He wasn’t saying “leave her alone” but “righteously deal with her.”

Jesus wasn’t soft on the sin of adultery (Matthew 5:27-28; 19:9). He told her to “Go and sin no more” (verse 11). He was not there to condemn her but to liberate her. Later in John 8, He would say, “Whom the Son sets free is free indeed” (36). He did not come to condemn the world but to save it (John 3:16-21). Although guilty, she was forgiven and extended love and mercy. He wanted her free, not dead in her sin. How much do we need mercy and forgiveness – even in the “worst” of sins? Jesus said they should “judge righteously” (John 7:24). This means always upholding the truth of Scripture, calling sin what it is, and loving someone through the process towards repentance and restoration to the Lord. While someone who commits adultery needs to repent and change, careful consideration must also be given for a slow reconciliation and rebuilding of trust. This breach of trust is the highest possible in marriage, and healing will take much time. But God can do it as forgiveness, repentance, and the extension of grace and love work in both spouses. If adultery has happened in your marriage, don’t be quick to “stone them and kill the relationship.” Separation may be necessary but don’t automatically run to divorce. Get some biblical counseling. Give God time to move, time to repent, and time to heal.