“Writing on the ground”

I was once asked, “Other than Christ, his apostles and writers of each New Testament book, if you could spend a day with someone from New Testament times, who would it be?” That was a really tough question because I love all of their perspectives and testimonies. From the Lad who gave what he had to feed the 5000 to the Pharisees and Sadducees who made it their mission to catch the Savior in error.

So, let’s just start with one. The woman who was “taken in adultery” and brought before Christ by the scribes and Pharisees to be stoned.

In the 8^th Chapter of John it states “They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him.

But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” (John 8:4-11)

I would love to hear the first-hand account from this relieved woman. I would love to hear the background that put her in this predicament. What was the circumstance of her family? What led her to the moment before she was brought before Christ? Was she forced into an uncomfortable situation by a person of status? Maybe even a scribe or a Pharisee?

There are so many things I would ask her about the moments before Christ gave one of his many perfect judgments while foiling any Pharisaical plans. What were her thoughts and feelings as he was writing on the ground; as he, with great patience, did not bend to the Scribe’s and Pharisee’s request for instant condemnation of this woman? How did it feel when she received no condemnation from him but Godly instruction of “Go and sin no more”?

What an amazing perspective she’d be able to give of her interaction with Christ. Now, even greater…we can capture so many nuggets of knowledge from our Savior through this experience. Notice how Christ was in no hurry and he did not feel pressure from these chiefs of Israel at the time. Let’s focus on what he did to give out his just judgment of this afflicted woman…he “wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.”

I do not know what he was writing but I like to think he was writing a letter to God or… he may have been communing with his Father and by writing on the ground distracted those around him. Anyway, I believe he was in authentic communion with his Father. Most of the time we may tend to focus on his legendary judgment, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” But, I invite everyone to ponder the benefits of communion with Heaven when any type of pressure is mounting. And what it will allow us to accomplish when encountered with huge decisions or… when the adversary is tempting us to judge other mortals harshly.

One more thing I’d like you to consider, after guidance from heaven and a verdict so perfect, “again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.” As a conclusion to this experience, I believe he wrote a note to his father and entered into a prayer of gratitude for his victory. He acknowledged his father for making him an instrument to rescue a daughter in need and causing those in attendance to ponder the beam in their eye.

Please take some time to reflect on the victories you have because heaven’s power was prevalent in your life and please take some time to “write on the ground” a bit more to increase understanding and increase your powerful influence. It will fashion more friends and build God’s kingdom around you. There’s no wonder why Christ was followed by multitudes.

Cody Hawes MSW, LCSW

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