Shakespeare had it right –

All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts. (As You Like It)

The dramatic narrative of ‘Cast the First Stone’ offers a good example of scriptural drama that, when viewed from our seats, adds a perspective not available when familiarity breeds stagnation.

Think of other possibilities.

It has a cast: scribes, Pharisees, Jesus, and a walk-on as the adulterer. The scene is set, and the conflict unfolds as the antagonists test Jesus’ adherence to the law of Moses. It’s a charade. The woman was caught in the act. So, why wasn’t a man dragged in to face the consequences?

We have seen this trickery before, and it never goes well for the accusers. Then there’s a bit of stage acting that speaks without words. The drama continues. Jesus, with his finger, writes in the dirt. We can only guess what was written. But more importantly, the action speaks for itself.

Jesus, not rebutting the scribes and Pharisees, writes literally or metaphorically the new law – to forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. These learned accusers surely know the Commandments written with God’s finger. Jesus writing in the dirt was just too close to the historical truths of the prophets.

We have two actions that have occurred, one before the other. God and the Commandments; Jesus and the new law, and both actions continue to the present. A lot of spiritual water flows through us.

Stop throwing stones.

Prayer:

He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk in the dark valley, I fear no evil; for you are at my side, with your rod and your staff that give me courage. (Psalm 23:3-4)

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