What Jesus Did! 'Rescue and Righteousness' — John 8:7-9

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

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[The Jewish leaders] kept demanding an answer [to their question about the woman caught in adultery, so Jesus] stood up again and said, "All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!" Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.

When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman.

Note: The oldest and best Greek copies of John do not have verses 7:53-8:11. Nevertheless, they are in nearly all translations because the content is certainly consistent with Jesus' ministry.
— John 8:7-9 NLT

Key Thought

A lynch mob doesn't want truth. It doesn't want redemption or righteousness either. With the shame of the woman, the Jewish leaders had tasted blood. Now they planned to press on until their desire to trap Jesus was satiated. It appeared as if no word could hold them back. They would press Jesus till they had what they wanted. But then Jesus spoke a word they had not expected. It was a heaven-sent word. It was a word rooted in truth and a word that struck their very souls. They knew they were not sinless. This word of truth penetrated to the hearts of those who were mature and knew both life and law. As Jesus glanced away to write in the dust, he gave them permission to leave without being shown up. For a brief moment, righteousness triumphed over hatred and self-importance. Those who were younger followed the example of the older men, leaving the woman protected and safe with Jesus. Redemption in action. The Good News portrayed before our very eyes. Jesus takes the hate of hell and our own sin and turns back the foe, leaving us safe and in his presence.

Today's Prayer

How can I thank you, dear Father, for the salvation Jesus has purchased for me? Even as I offer my sincere "thank you," the words seem so shallow and small when compared with your expansive grace. Along with my words, I also offer my life in service to you. Use me to be a conduit of that grace to others. All glory to you, O Father who reigns above all, and to you, Lord Jesus, for you have triumphed over sin and death to rescue me. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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11 Related Resources by Heartlight

John 8:7
Devo: Today's Verse
"When they kept on questioning [Jesus about the woman caught in the act of adultery, Jesus] straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin,...."
Dropping It?
Illustration of John 8:7
Inspirational illustration of John 8:7 -- Let him who is without sin throw the first stone
Throwing Stones
Article by Tim Archer
The church is not a rock-throwing society ... The story of Jesus and the woman caught in adultery teaches us how the church should deal with sinful people ... because the church is full of sinful people.
The Grace of Dropping Stones
Article by Tom Norvell
Would I be willing to drop my stone first? Tom Norvell reminds us of a well known truth we so often forget and even more infrequently apply.
See All 11 Related Resources about John 8:7-9

Illustration

Illustration of John 8:7-9 NLT — "All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!"

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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