Judging Others

John 8:1-11

A note in your Bible probably mentions that most scholars feel these verses were not a part of the original text because they are not in the earliest manuscripts we have found. Most agree, however that the incident was historical and this is a part of history mentioned by John in the last verse of this book: “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books which were written” (John 21:25). Jesus does speak on this subject in Scripture and in Matt. 7:1 He says “Do not judge lest you be judged yourselves.”

The Pharisees brought this woman to Jesus to try to trap Him. If they could get Him to condemn her it would give evidence of a lack of grace and failure to act as a Savior, but if He did not condemn her He would fail to uphold the Law. If He failed to uphold the Law the Pharisees thought the people would reject Him and cling to Moses and they would have a pretext for bringing Him before the Sanhedrin (ruling council).

Jesus, as He often does as a teacher, rather than responding to their question makes a very convicting statement: “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” We’re told that the Pharisees, beginning with the oldest, and wisest, all began to leave, realizing that they, too, were sinners. Jesus then reveals His grace by saying to the woman “Neither do I condemn you; go your way; from now on sin no more.”

Paul instructs in I Corinthians 11:28 that we should examine ourselves to assure we are in right relationship with the Lord. We all succumb to temptation frequently and when we do God provides forgiveness when we confess those sins (I John 1:9). We are to be concerned about the spiritual relationship of others, but should express that by sharing the message of salvation with them. It is the responsibility of the Holy Spirit to bring them to the point where they will trust Jesus as their Savior. Our responsibility is to pray for them and relay the message.