The first stone.

John 8:7-9, And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him.

The rulers devised a trap, seeking to test Jesus; the law demanded death by stoning for adultery. His question exposed their own hearts to the light: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” As we come into his presence, he brings to light our own sin. And he is not there to condemn us! He bids the woman “Go and sin no more,” and gives us that same charge. Are we willing to come into his presence with confidence that we may receive his mercy and grace?

We know that we are weak! Thank you that when we confess our sins you are “faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

ESV Lectionary