Go Ahead…Throw the First Stone

“…let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”John‬ ‭8:7‬ ‭NLT

My husband and I have been watching the Chosen series, and I love it! The episode that grabbed my heart the most so far was in season 2, in the dramatization when Mary Magdalene went back to her old life. When she returns back and sees Jesus, she holds her head in deep shame. Gently, and without hesitation he says, “I forgive you.” Tears! It made me emotional because this woman, regardless of her past and her rebellious choice to return to her old ways, was freely shown grace and love.

If you read the story in John 8, you’ll learn that there was a woman caught in adultery, which historically would result in the consequence of stoning her to death. Having full knowledge of this, she stood there in shame waiting for her punishment. But God….God sent his son Jesus to show us through His life, and through the truth we read in his word, that this woman is no different than any of us. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We are all sinners that need his forgiveness. The same grace that Jesus showed this woman was life changing for her, for the ones who witnessed it, and for all of us who read it centuries later. Throw the first stone if you are without sin? We would all be lying if we said we were without sin. I’ve thrown stones with my thoughts, with my words. Maybe not a literal stone, but I am sure we all can say that we have thrown one some way at some point of our lives. What a humbling story and passage to remind us that we are to extend grace and mercy towards others. Let’s make it a goal to do this, and turn other’s hearts towards Jesus!

Father forgive me for the times that I have thrown stones. Thank you for forgiving me of all my sins. Help my heart to be purified by your word, especially when hearing the messages that share how you respond to our human ways. I want my life to be a demonstration and my actions to be an extension of the love and forgiveness you have given me. I love you, and I believe you can heal our lives in ways we can’t see yet. You are faithful! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Illustrations by Haley Punjak

Edited by Rachel Harmening