Jesus stooped down and started writing on the ground with his finger. When they persisted in questioning him, he stood up and said to them,

"The one without sin among you should be the first to throw a stone at her."

Then he stooped down again and continued writing on the ground. When they heard this, they left one by one, starting with the older men. 

Only he was left, with the woman in the center.

John 8:6-9 CSB

Maybe Jesus was writing out Deuteronomy 17:7 which says the witnesses should cast the first stone, and maybe the charges against this woman were made up (just to try & trap Jesus).

Jesus reframed the law back into its original intent, that it's about how we thrive as a community, together. Not one group against another, but for all of us to examine our hearts. 

For our hearts to be aligned with God's.

Where have those with power gone astray, created systems that benefit them at the expense of others. 

Where have they lost sight of the person as an image bearer.

In this one phrase Jesus asks us with power to keep examining our hearts and our motives, and elevates the victim as someone worthy of being seen and cared for. 

This woman had no power, was vulnerable, and Jesus saw her. 

Jesus was down in the dirt.

Writing.

And making a way.

This is the redemption story, the gospel, the good news of grace that our Redeemer sees us and makes a way. 

#sunday

#worship

#thisisourGod

#seen

#dearlyloved

#waymaker