Those holding stones
think they're safe from accusation.

Sinners accusing sinners
to avoid exposure.

John 8 is making me stop and wonder...
What was it like to be
that woman, 
that woman caught,
that woman caught in the very act of adultery,
that woman caught in the very act of adultery deserving to die
?

What was it like to be her -
seized, shamed, naked (in more ways than one)
dragged to the temple by the righteous, the learned, the powerful?

Was she wondering about him, the other party involved in the very act of adultery, now nowhere to be seen?
Was she wondering what it will feel like to have stones crack her head open?
Was she wondering how her loved ones will bear the shame?

As strange as it might seem, this is not about her. This is a test, and yes, she might die, but that is really inconsequential to the men who have brought her here. This is about the Rabbi, the Galilean who is stirring the people up with healings and teachings and authority they cannot replicate.

What was it like to hear the question posed: The Law of Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?

There was silence. There was mysterious writing in the dust. There was belligerence met with restraint. And finally, there was a moment with the mirror of truth - 

Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!

Now the silence is from the other side. More mysterious writing in the dust and then a slipping away...they've been outed. The stones fall from sinners' hands and the accusations dry up in their throats.

But Jesus remained.
What was it like to be her - 
Receiving the steady gaze of this Man, her Messiah?
He spoke to her, not at her or about her but to her - Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you?
Her only words recorded - No, Lord.
And then the Only Man who could have condemned her, did not.
Neither do I. Go and sin no more. 

She was caught, then freed.
She experienced brokenness at the hands of men and then restoration at the hands of the Man of God.

2018 is not so far removed from John 8.