“Neither Do I Condemn You”
This Sunday’s Gospel leads us into a moment of high tension and divine tenderness — a scene where judgment is expected, but mercy is revealed. Jesus returns from the Mount of Olives and begins teaching in the temple, only to be interrupted by scribes and Pharisees dragging in a woman caught in adultery. She is not only caught in sin, but she is also publicly humiliated — made to “stand in the middle,” a spectacle for scorn and a pawn for a trap.
But Jesus does not play by their rules.
They demand judgment according to the Law of Moses. But instead of responding with fire or fury, Jesus bends down and writes on the ground — a moment of silence that speaks volumes. When they press Him, He offers one sentence that slices through their hypocrisy:
“Let the one among you without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”
With this statement, Jesus flips the scene. The accusers become the accused — not by Jesus’ condemnation, but by the mirror He holds up to their own hearts. One by one, they leave, beginning with the elders.
And then, the sacred moment: “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
“No one, sir.”
“Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on , do not sin anyore.”
Mercy Echoes from the Prodigal Path
Just last Sunday, we reflected on the parable of the Prodigal Son — a story of radical return and boundless welcome. After squandering everything, that son was not judged or condemned but embraced by a father whose love knew no limits. Today, we see a similar embrace in the eyes of a woman who expected stones but found instead the gaze of mercy.
As our pastor beautifully shared: “Conversion is an ongoing process, and God is not finished with us yet.” That truth should humble us. We are all on this journey — stumblers, wanderers, beloved children — invited daily into the grace of God’s patience.
Don’t Pick Up the Stone
Jesus’ challenge to the woman’s accusers is also a challenge to us. How quickly do we reach for stones — not literal ones, but words, assumptions, and judgments? The Gospel warns us: Judge not, lest you be judged (Matthew 7:1–2). Condemnation is not our calling — compassion is.
When Jesus says, “Neither do I condemn you,” He’s not condoning sin. He’s inviting transformation. His mercy is not a dismissal of truth but the birthplace of a new life. “Go and sin no more.” It is an invitation into freedom — freedom from shame, from death, from the chains of the past.
Romans 8:1 reminds us, “There is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.” What liberating news! In Him, we are set free from the law of sin and death — not by our merit, but by the Spirit of life in Christ.
Becoming Ambassadors of Mercy
Forgiveness is not passive—it is intensely active. It is the very heart of God, and as followers of Christ, it must become ours as well. Our mission is not to echo judgment but to extend mercy, help restore the fallen, and be living signs of grace in a hurting world.
Our pastor captured this so well: “The mission of Christ is to give sinners a second chance, mend broken lives, and restore people to His friendship.” If this is His mission, it must be ours too.
Let us be a people who lower our stones and raise our hands—in welcome, healing, solidarity with the broken, and celebration of the mercy that has found us.
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
You see beyond our sins and speak to our hearts with love.
Help us to see ourselves and others with Your eyes —
not eyes that condemn but ones that call forth new life.
Teach us to walk in the freedom of forgiveness
and to become ambassadors of Your mercy in a world so quick to judge.
Amen.