Thoughts on the Gospel of John (50) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with his finger, as though he did not hear. So when they continued asking him, he raised himself up and said to them, He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first. And again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last.
John 8:6-9.

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (50)
How would Jesus react to the Pharisees' catch question? Would He condemn the adulteress according to the law, or would He graciously let her go free?

The Lord did not answer His opponents' question directly. He bent down and wrote on the ground, seemingly ignoring their question. That gave them time to consider their question and motives. But they persisted with their questions.

Then Jesus replied, as a teacher (v. 2), not as a judge, addressing the questioners by confirming the authority of the law regarding everyone present, not just the adulteress. Whoever had never broken the law should carry out the sentence.

The Lord stooped down and wrote on the ground once again. He may have written the names of the unfaithful among them to remind them of their own guilt.

The accusers all withdrew from the scene, the eldest first, for they probably feared being exposed most of all.

What do we learn from this? Sin remains sin and must be judged - not only the most serious of sins. In judging them, let us start with ourselves.

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today's reading: Daniel 10:1-14 · Acts 3:19-26