We can read scripture with an open mind, but never an empty mind. Our minds have been filled by our environment, up-bringing and our experiences. This means people do not always understand scripture the same, and do not always find the same things to be important.

A man raised in a patriarchal culture might not even think it odd that a woman was caught in adultery without a man also being caught and included. Any culture ruled solely by one class, gender, race, or any other social class will produce inequality, injustice and unrighteousness. Many recognize the injustice of the man being let free, however this story is not about God’s plan for a righteous society. Many other scriptures address that subject.

Jesus was setting on the ground teaching and was using the ground as a chalkboard. When the leaders approached Him, Jesus continued to teach, but they continued to pester Him. Jesus stood and told then the first stone should only come from a sinless man. Jesus then went back to teaching and writing in the sand. Jesus did not publish the first tell-all tabloid. He did not have to write their sins on the ground; guilt is something we do not need reminding of. Guilt lives with us and within us, Jesus came to redeem, not condemn and shame.

The older men left first. Some readers of the scripture, because of their experiences, believed they had the most guilt. Perhaps, it was because age had brought them some wisdom and they recognized their unrighteousness first. Either way this is not the point of the story.

When all had left but the women, Jesus remained. He was the only who could throw the first stone. Jesus recognized her sin but did not condemn her. With His pardon, her freewill was restored. Forgiveness had given her a new life, but only she could choose what to do with it. Our new life only remains new when we choose to walk with Jesus in a new direction with new desire and purpose.