JUNE 24, 2025 – ACCUSERS

READ: John 8:1–11: … He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first …

This event is not mentioned in the other Gospels. A woman caught in the act of adultery is brought by the scribes and Pharisees to Jesus. This is a very questionable act, especially considering recent events. Didn’t the Pharisees recently call Him a deceiver of the people and show their deep hatred of Him?

These so-called pious leaders now want to silence Jesus. If they can get Him to say something that contradicts the law of Moses, His authority will be broken (see v. 6). With this devilish trick, they try to block His saving work.

They bring the woman before Jesus, in the midst of everyone listening to His teaching. Everyone can clearly see and hear what happens. The woman has committed a serious sin—that’s undeniable to them. She is part of the people who do not know the law. They ask Jesus for His opinion.

But the Lord, who knows the hearts of these people (cf. 2:25; 6:64), says nothing! He stoops down and writes with His finger on the ground. What He writes is not important; He takes the posture of someone withdrawing.

In silence, Jesus expresses His dismay over this devilish scheme. He wants no part of it. But they keep pressing. Then He speaks those famous words: “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”

The Lord does not reject judgment. But He makes it clear that these scribes and Pharisees are not authorized to judge. That authority belongs to God the Father and to the one He has appointed as judge: the priest. In the Sermon on the Mount,

Jesus says, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged.” He does point out the woman’s sin: “Go, and sin no more.” In this way, He helps her confess her sin and gently gives her space for repentance and restoration (Ezekiel 18:23; Galatians 6:1). In this, He is our example.

What answer did the Pharisees expect, and why?                                 

Sing: Ps. 51:3,4