What Goes Around

The beginning of John 8 gives a brief account of yet another attempt of man to bring judgement upon another. This is so like us. Our human propensity is to point out all the faults in those around us and even go so far as demand judgement and due consequence.

Here, they brought an adulterous woman before Jesus trying to trick him. They asked what should be done to her. As they had been taught through the law, death was her penalty. But Jesus wrote in the sand beneath their feet. He spoke to them, "Whoever is without sin, cast the first stone," then began to write again. After they left Jesus in the company of this sinner, he extended the opposite of what they had expected - grace. Giving the one "caught" the freedom to leave "freed". She was forgiven and free to have a fresh start. But what of the accusers? They left bound. Bound up in their legalism, darkness, and pride. The very thing they intended in their humanity to dish out came back upon them in full force - works.

"Then they asked him, what must we do to do the works that God requires. Jesus answered, 'The work of God is this: to believe in the one He has sent." John 6:28-28