April 4

Monday, April 4
John 8: 1-11

This passage relates Jesus’ response to an adulterous woman about to be stoned for adultery by angry Jews ready to kill her.

This scene is vividly shown in the 2004 movie, “The Passion of Christ.” I have watched this movie for many years during Lent or on Good Friday. This scene is gut wrenching and powerful.

The angry Jews are holding big rocks ready to throw at the woman who is kneeling on the ground with her head down. Jesus stands in front of her. It is a tense, terrible moment. Jesus looks up and says, “Let him who is without sin throw the first stone.” Silence. One by one the stones are dropped. The men leave. The woman on the ground slowly pushes her hand across the sand. All you see is her reaching to touch Jesus’ toe and sandal. This image is so moving because in it is the saving grace and redemption of a forgiving, loving Lord who rescues one destined to die.

How many moments in our lives do we reach for Jesus from our rock bottom brokenness and feel in our souls the incredible mercy and love we didn’t deserve yet freely received? “Neither do I condemn you…go and sin no more.” A blessing. An atonement. Another chance for you and me to get it right! Thanks be to God!

Reflection by Sara Vale