Pointing Fingers-Throwing Stones

One day Jesus got up early and went to the temple. As often happened, a group of people gathered around Jesus and he sat down and began to teach them. As he was teaching, some teachers of the law brought a woman who had been living a sinful life and made her stand before Jesus. "Teacher," they said, "this woman was caught in a terrible act of sin. The law of Moses says that she should be punished by stoning. What do you say?" The Bible tells us that they were trying to trap Jesus into saying something against their laws so that they could bring charges against him.

Jesus bent down and began writing with his finger in the dirt. The men kept questioning Jesus trying to get him to say something. Finally, Jesus stood and said to them, "Whoever is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her," then he bent down and continued writing in the dirt. The men who had accused the woman looked at one another and walked away.

Jesus stood and spoke to the woman. "Where are your accusers? Did no one condemn you?" he asked.

"No one," the woman answered.

"Neither do I. Go and sin no more."

Have you ever seen someone doing something wrong and you pointed an accusing finger at them? I think most of us would have to admit that we have. I had a pastor one time who was fond of saying, "Remember, when you point your finger at someone, there are three fingers pointing back at you." Try it, point your finger at someone and then look at your hand. Three fingers are pointing back at you!

That is the point of Jesus' teaching in our lesson today. Not one of us is perfect and we should remember that when we want to point fingers or throw stones at someone else. I have a small stone for each of you. Take it home and put it somewhere that you will see it when you think you might be tempted to point out someone else's faults.

Our Father, help us to have the forgiving attitude that Jesus taught us in our lesson today. It is in Jesus' name that we pray, amen.