It was a perfect plan. The Pharisees and the teachers of the law brought her to Jesus, a woman caught in the act of adultery. The Mosaic Law carried a penalty of death by stoning for such an offense. But Rome would not allow the Jews to carry out death sentences at this level of local legislation. Jesus’ opponents, licking their chops, asked the Nazarene, “What do you say?” (John 8:5). Whatever his response, Jesus would be sure to condemn himself. If he ordered the crowd to stone her, he stood in opposition of Rome. If he called for her release, he would be contradicting the Law. Either way, the Pharisees could use his response as a basis for accusing him. This calculated trap would soon bear much fruit.
His response was a simple one: If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.
What? Any of US who is without sin?
Jesus’ answer, simple yet deeply profound, shifted the weight of the question squarely back on the shoulders of his adversaries. Jesus conceded to the Law; this lady no doubt deserved death by stoning. But Jesus gives prerequisite for exacting her punishment: perfection. Let one without sin deliver the first blow. The dumbfounded crowd dispersed and Jesus, the only worthy accuser, delivered these words to a shamed sinner: I do not condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.
How great is our God, the One who gives us what we need rather than what we deserve! Mercy imparted leaves an indelible mark upon a heart. One drop of grace transforms an arid wasteland into a lush garden teeming with life. The grace of God…a perfect plan indeed.
already & not yet 
Although the earliest manuscripts don’t contain this story, I’m glad that someone tacked that one on–it’s a classic.I propose that the disciplinary committees in Christian colleges who decide the fate of students who are caught in sexual impropriety be required to read this text prior to every meeting. That might result in some alteration of the “one strike and you’re out” policy.
This is one of my favorite Jesus stories. And I love how he springs the trap they’ve set for him with the perfect plan of mercy and grace. You bring up an interesting point, Mike. What would happen if we began reflecting mercy & grace in radical ways in our communities? It calls me to evaluate the lenses I use to view others. God give me the grace I need to model graciousness towards others. Mike, have you read Yancey’s “What’s So Amazing About Grace”?
jason,No, I haven’t yet, although I realize that WSAAG is a cornerstone of the Yancey canon. Having said that, I did recently read “Rumors of Another World” and in fact was reading Yancey in college (“Fearfully and Wonderfully Made,” circa early 80’s) when you were still tripping over first base in Little League.I think reflecting grace in “radical ways” is our only hope of getting the world’s attention. Otherwise, the evangelical church simply blends into the consumeristic, market-driven, materialistic background that is our world.
I agree, man. I have a copy of “Grace” if you’d ever like to borrow it. Brennan Manning’s “Ragamuffin Gospel” is another book that opened my eyes to God’s grace. You should check it out sometime.I’m reminded of the old story (I suppose it’s true) about CS Lewis. Lewis and many other renowned scholars gathered for a summit of sorts to discuss theology, Scripture, etc. The question was posed, “What makes Christianity unique from other religions of the world?” They brought out all the biggies: Incarnation, Resurrection, etc. Other religions contained elements of each concept the group came up with until Lewis spoke up: “The answer is easy. It’s grace.” Yancey goes on to say only Christianity makes God’s love unconditional. If we as God’s people embraced this idea as much as God does, our churches couldn’t contain the people thirsting for more of this Good News.
Instead of viewing sinners as tarnished or ruined, Yancey’s “Grace” has a quote from Dostoevsky that continues to remind me of how to look at others through what he calls “grace-healed eyes”…”To love a person means to see him as God intended him to be.”Isn’t this the purpose of the Incarnation of Jesus? Not so much to see how the Divine lives, but to witness what it’s like to be fully human?
You’re spot on, Taylor. I think Christ shows us as much humanity as divinity. I love Yancey’s use of quotations throughout, but the one that haunts me is this one from Dorothy Day (at the end of his chapter “No Oddballs Allowed”) “I really only love God as much as the person I love the least.”
I guess I have been exposed to more Chrstian thinkers through reading books by Yancey than by any other author. His journalistic background not only makes for good word-play, but for a great use of sources as well.Hey Mike, Just wanted to say how much I appreciate your insights! I know for Jason and I both it is refreshing to see someone “in the pew” as interested in this discussion as those of us “in the pulpit”! I truly believe that the transformation of the church will occur through individuals like you who take seriously the call to live out their faith in real and meaningful ways. Those of us who do theology for a living often miss out on the opportunity to live out our theology in public work places.
Well I’ve always said that you preacher types need to get out a little more. ;-)I’m an amateur theologian but that never stopped me from trying to hang with the big boyz. But I need guys like you to spend time doing serious theology. I’m encouraged by what I’m reading by the various Gen-X/Y and Millennials who are starting to serve in the CofC. The blogosphere seems to an outlet for actually doing theology, ie. thinking about God.If there’s going to be a transformation of the church, such thinking is going to be necessary in order to get us beyond irrelevant boilerplate. Those of us living out our theology in the public workplace need to be well fed by you guys so that we can head back out into the trenches on a full stomach. We’re all in this together.
Mike, you’re right…we do need to get out more. That’s the problem with “doing” ministry….you find yourself speaking to people of like faith without engaging in enough meaningful dialogue outside the church’s walls. But I digress.The blogging realm seems to be an outlet our generation has embraced to cultivate community. It’s nice to have a place to discuss theology or pop culture. You’re welcome to stop by any time. Although I can’t promise how well-fed you’ll be by the time you leave!
I’ve not read or know Yancey. I know lots of acronyms, but am not sure what WSAAG means. I have read some C.S. Lewis. I have read and own a copy of Brennan Manning’s “Ragamuffin Gospel”.But what I have learned along the way is that your ability to dispense grace is directly proportional to the amount you have received. The more you have been forgiven, the more you can forgive. (Luke 6:37)
Good point. WSAAG stands for What’s So Amazing About Grace, one of Yancey’s books. I highly recommend it.