Do Not Cast the First Stone

When the Pharisees brought an adulterous woman before Jesus, they intended to see her punished, condemned according to the law. Their motives were clear—they wanted to trap Jesus and judge the woman. But Jesus’ response was profound and challenged both their hearts and motives. He declared, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her” (John 8:7, KJV). This powerful statement reveals the heart of Jesus and His mission—not to condemn, but to offer forgiveness, life, and a path to restoration.

In today’s world, many of us are quick to “cast stones” of judgment and condemnation, even though we, too, are imperfect. Jesus, the only one without sin, the only one qualified to judge, chose instead to forgive. He demonstrated that the true purpose of His coming was to save, not to condemn (John 3:17). Let us explore how Jesus teaches us to walk in forgiveness and love, freeing ourselves and others from the chains of condemnation.

The scene of the adulterous woman (John 8:1-11) shows us that Jesus’ mission was not one of judgment but of mercy and forgiveness. The Pharisees and teachers of the law sought to use her sin as a tool to trap Jesus, and yet He turned the situation on them, exposing their own hearts. By saying, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her,” Jesus made them reflect on their own faults and imperfections.

Only Jesus had the right to judge her because He was without sin. And yet, rather than throwing stones, He forgave her, saying, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:11, KJV). Jesus extended forgiveness instead of judgment, showing that He came to offer life and redemption. As believers, we are not called to condemn or judge others. In Romans 8:1, Paul tells us, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.” If Jesus does not condemn, then we, as followers of Christ, must also release judgment and offer forgiveness and love instead.

True forgiveness is letting go without holding onto offenses. Jesus modeled this perfectly with Peter. When Peter denied Jesus three times, Jesus didn’t hold it against him. After His resurrection, Jesus met with Peter and did not accuse him of betrayal; instead, He asked Peter three times, “Lovest thou me?” (John 21:15-17, KJV). Each question was a way to restore Peter, to give him a chance to reaffirm his love and commitment. Jesus forgave and restored Peter, showing us that true forgiveness does not bring up past mistakes.

When Jesus forgives, He removes our sins as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). Isaiah 43:25 reminds us that God blots out transgressions for His own sake and chooses not to remember our sins. Forgiveness, therefore, involves a choice to let go completely, to choose not to hold others’ past against them.

Jesus not only forgave Peter but extended this same grace to all the disciples. When He was arrested, every disciple fled, leaving Him in His darkest hour. Yet, after His resurrection, Jesus met with them without a word of accusation. When He appeared to the disciples gathered together (John 20:19-29), He did not condemn them for abandoning Him. Even when Thomas doubted His resurrection, Jesus invited him to touch His wounds, saying, “Be not faithless, but believing” (John 20:27, KJV).

Jesus’ forgiveness was complete and without reproach, embodying the words He spoke on the cross: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34, KJV). This forgiveness was extended not only to those who crucified Him but also to the disciples who left Him. True forgiveness does not hold onto bitterness or keep a record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5). Jesus teaches us to forgive entirely and not to hold the failures of others against them.

Jesus’ forgiveness is available to everyone—believers, unbelievers, friends, and enemies alike. When He said, “Father, forgive them,” He was not just referring to His followers but to all those who wronged Him, including those who crucified Him. His forgiveness was all-encompassing, breaking down barriers of judgment and offering love instead.

As believers, we are called to love and forgive as Jesus did. In Colossians 3:13, Paul urges us, “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” This means forgiving without limit, without holding onto bitterness, and without casting a stone of condemnation. Jesus’ forgiveness on the cross was permanent, and He continues to offer that same forgiveness today. If we are truly following Him, we are to do the same.

Forgiveness is not simply about letting go; it is about restoring others in love. After forgiving the adulterous woman, Jesus told her, “Go, and sin no more” (John 8:11, KJV). His goal was not just to pardon her but to restore her life, guiding her to a path of righteousness. Similarly, when Jesus forgave Peter, He also called him to feed His sheep, restoring him to ministry and entrusting him with the church.

Forgiveness in Christ is about giving others a fresh start and restoring them without condemnation. Galatians 6:1 says, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” True forgiveness allows us to restore others with humility, remembering that we, too, have been forgiven.

Ultimately, Jesus’ message in John 8 is that we are not to cast stones. If Jesus, the one without sin, chose not to condemn, then we must also refrain from judgment. We are called to forgive, to love, and to restore. Just as Jesus asked, “Where are those thine accusers?” (John 8:10, KJV), we, too, should be willing to release others from judgment and embrace them with love.

Forgiveness is more than just an act; it’s a heart posture. Ephesians 4:32 reminds us to “be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” As followers of Jesus, we are called to embody His grace and compassion, offering forgiveness to others as we have received it ourselves.

Jesus’ example challenges us to rethink our approach to forgiveness. He forgave the adulterous woman, Peter, the disciples, and even those who crucified Him, all without casting a single stone. His forgiveness was pure, complete, and without condemnation. We, too, are called to offer this same forgiveness, letting go of judgment and showing the love of Christ in every situation.

In our lives, we will encounter moments when we feel wronged, abandoned, or even betrayed. In those moments, let us remember Jesus’ example—He did not cast a stone but instead offered forgiveness and restoration. As we walk in His footsteps, may we choose to forgive, love, and restore, leaving condemnation behind.

Just as Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:11, KJV), let us also refuse to cast stones and instead extend the grace we have received. In this way, we fulfill our calling to reflect God’s love, showing the world what true forgiveness looks like.