That Stone is a Boomerang

Recently, I read a story about a young middle-eastern man who, having no job and poor prospects in life, passed his time in an unusual way. He said, "I throw stones". Anything or anyone he didn't like or agree with would become the target of the nearest rock he could get his hands on. The saying is true, "Hurting people Hurt other people".  You and I may not hurl real rocks at others but we can sure hurl hurtful comments at others. It's easy to find the faults in others and make them pay for their mistakes.
 
There is a story in John 8 about a woman caught in sin. Religious leaders lined up to execute judgment by throwing stones at her until she was dead. Sounds horrible, but they were correct...sort of. According to Leviticus 20:10 she should be put to death for her sin. The problem for her accusers is that they deserved to die for their sins as well. You can't throw a stone at someone else if you deserve to die as well.

Matthew 7:1, 2  “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

When Jesus made her accusers aware of their own sin, one by one, they dropped their rocks and walked away.  They knew that if they executed harsh judgment on her for her sin, then Jesus would execute hash judgment on them for theirs. Those stones of judgment would eventually come back upon them. Jesus was the only one who had the right kill her but He came to bring mercy not punishment. He came to forgive not to get even.

So drop the rock! If you throw it, it will come back and smack you. Forgive easily. Let the word of God do the judging and let God Himself execute that judgment. It doesn't mean anything goes. It means that we allow people to be human and make mistakes. It means we help them up instead of beating them up when they fall.

So what about Leviticus 20:10? Did Jesus just ignore God's law?  No! Someone had to die for this woman's sin and Jesus knew that someone would. Jesus knew that it was just a matter of time before He would be killed on a cross, bearing the punishment that this woman deserved. He forgave her not because He ignored the law but because He would fulfill it. Jesus would rather die than throw a stone.

Thank God for His mercy and grace. We all need it.