John 7:53-8:11

"In our Law Moses commanded that such a woman must be stoned to death..." (8:5)

Which is more important – the Law or people?

Which is more important – the Law of humans or the love of God?

Throughout His life, Jesus was challenged constantly with these questions.

Here was a woman caught in the act of adultery. The Law dictated that she should die. The teachers of the Law and the Pharisees wanted to discredit Jesus, so they brought her to Him, and asked what he would do.

Jesus faced this kind of challenge many times during his short 3 year ministry. On other occasions he answered the question with one of his own. Here he does the same thing. He says to her accusers, ‘the person without sin should cast the first stone’. (8:7)

Knowing these learned men would take a while to decide and act, Jesus amuses Himself by writing in the gravel.

A few minutes later, He looks up and realizes that only He and the woman remained. I guess all the wise men decided they all had sinned.

He sent the woman away forgiven, with a suggestion to turn her life around. We are never told if she did. And it is not important to the message of this Gospel incident.

Jesus wants us, His followers, to put people first, not to judge others and to become more Godlike.

Lent gives us a golden opportunity to try.

How is it working for you.?

(Today's post is submitted by guest writer, Rev. Hollis Hiscock.)