*Why shouldn’t you trust the stairs? See the answer at the bottom.

Reading in John 8:1-11, the scribes and Pharisees were up to something. They brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus to put Him on the spot because the Law Moses commanded them to stone such a woman (v. 5). They ask Jesus what He would do as a trap so they could accuse Him of not following the Law.

The answer Jesus gave was ingenious. He said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” (v. 7). This brought the accusers to the same level as the accused. Jesus gave them guidance but let them be a part of a big decision. The Teacher let them take ownership in the decision and let them accept some of the responsibility for it being carried out.

All Jesus had to do was encourage the scribes and Pharisees to do the right thing. They went away one by one and did not condemn the woman. Jesus didn’t either as the Word says in John 3:17, God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him (John 3:17).

The decisions we make have a big impact on the future. That’s why we need to be people of integrity and character who follow the Way by being in God’s Word, asking for direction in our prayers, and acting on the instructions given.

This day, we trust in the Truth. We step ahead to peace and joy because there is freedom in each step forward. We learn from the Word, we listen to Holy Spirit, and can discern spiritual truth that will be applied today with sound judgment in our decisions. We trust because we pray today in the name of the One who is fully human and fully divine … Jesus Christ, amen.

Anwer: They are always up to something.

*Jokes for days. (2021). Funny Editor – Jokes for Days. https://www.funnyeditor.com