Recap:

• The Pharisees bring a woman caught in adultery to Jesus to try to trap Jesus. 

• They bring her, cherry-picking verses from the Old Testament - neglecting the bring the man to be judged as well - like the law required (Leviticus 20:10). 

• Religious people often tell themselves that the ends justify the means, and therefore terrible things have been doing throughout history by Christians who should know better and do better. 

• Many of us though, are prone to pick up our stones to throw at religious leaders. We can become “ugly about ugliness” (Brian Zahnd). We are never more self-righteous than when we are attacking the self righteous. 

• Jesus, in this story, offers a third way. Instead of condemning the woman or condemning the Pharisees, Jesus asks them a question that leaves them contemplating their own sin.

Discussion Questions:

• What are some ways you have been angry at religious leaders for their hypocrisy? Personally or looking at how religious leaders have engaged it the world around you?

• What do you feel yourself wanting to do or say because of this hypocrisy?

• How do you imagine you would respond if Jesus, in that moment, said to you, “Let those of you who are without sin cast the first stone”?

• What are some places in your life that you are prone to pride, anger, self-righteousness, hatred, or other forms of sin?

• How does it feel to hear Jesus say to you in those places, “Has no one condemned you? Neither do I condemn you?”