Are You Still Throwing Stones At Others?

John 8:1-12: 8 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 Now early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them. 3 Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, 4 they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?” 6 This they said, testing Him, that they might find something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. 7 So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw the first stone at her.” 8 And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” 11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” 12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

INTRODUCTION: DROP YOUR STONES! OR JESUS WILL STAND YOU UP!

Let me talk about stones this morning. Very simple and common matter but very vital. But let me begin by saying that God requires us who are Christians to take care of each other. Not to pamper people in their wrongs, but to encourage them get back up when they do wrong or fall. This is what being a Christian is all about. We must have that Barnabas Spirit – to be willing to help each other when down.

1. Galatians 6:1 Brothers, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

2. Romans 15:1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

3. Hebrews 13:3 3 Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

4. Hebrews 5:18-19 19 My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

Many In Our Churches Are Suffering In Silence Because They Have No One To Trust.

HISTORY OF STONES IN THE BIBLE AND THE PURPOSE FOR THEM

The Bible Talks A Lot About Stones - Stone which the builders rejected; Peter being the rock; about us being precious stones (diamond, crystal, pearl); suffering in Christ is gold making process, stones as memorial, man built his house on stones, etc. Stones show the wonders of God. They symbolize endurance, stability, permanence. They represent the ability to be grounded & connected. They are strong & easily accessible. So when that which is used to demonstrate strength & stability is used as a missile to attack someone for wrongs committed, it can have debilitating effects. It can break apart, degrade, and demean a person. Galatians 6:10: Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

SOME THINGS TO NOTICE IN THE PASSAGE

1. Notice What Time It Was (When). The story took place early in the morning. The accusers were not in church early like the disciples, but came early only when they wanted to accuse. It’s amazing how many showed up at church to throw stones. That means something brings them early. The text says that Jesus was in the temple teaching. Oh to God that people would be like those there with Jesus, to hear the Word, instead of spreading a bad word. We can be on-time for work, our community meetings, even on black Friday we can make it out at 5am to the sales, and we will take our friends and loved ones with us to all these events, but when it comes time to make it to the house of God on time, we can’t make it! If there is a stoning going on we will car pool, credit money to go there. Why do we like to see people down?