"First, Look Within" by Kirk Hunt

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.

John 8:6-7 KJV

The scribes and Pharisees wanted justice against the adulterous woman of verse 3. As always Jesus came to save sinners, not slay them. Still, these men callously called for “justice.”

Scripture is silent regarding what Jesus wrote in the dust of the Temple. One popular guess is that Jesus began writing out the sins of the accusers. It's not too surprising to see a prosecutor in violation of the Law they enforce.

Certainly, Jesus saw through the staged theater to their willful and disobedient motivations. Then, as now, the ends can not justify the means. Real justice can only be achieved when men and women do the right thing and for the right reasons.

Jesus exposed their inconsistencies and hypocrisy elegantly. He asked the scribes and Pharisees to enforce the entire Law. Even the provision that the accusers themselves be without sin.

Too often, we call out for judgment and justice against others. Justice starts within and demands we judge ourselves first. Revival and justice always starts among God's people, then spreads.

Think: If I want justice and purity in the world, I must first be just and pure.

Pray: “Lord, help me lead life in Your Way.”

Copyright © March 2009, Kirk Hunt