Beyond the Finger-Pointing: Embracing Grace and Forgiveness

Introduction

This morning, we embark on our journey through John 8. As we concluded our exploration of chapter 7, we found ourselves in the midst of a heated debate over Christ’s identity. In our previous message, we witnessed how both the common people and the religious leaders were ensnared by their judgmental attitudes, unable to see the truth. This blindness, a consequence of sin, led them to form their own opinions instead of embracing the truth—a condition that we all grapple with even today. Today’s message and text continue the theme of self-righteous judgment and criticism, a struggle that unites us all in our spiritual journey.

Did you know that a recent study found that social media use is correlated with increased levels of anxiety and depression?

The University of Pittsburgh researched and published an article in 2016 on this very thing. They surveyed 1,787 adults ages 19 to 32 about social media use and depression. In their research, they discovered that social media use was significantly associated with increased depression. What was one of the contributing factors? It is the constant barrage of judgment and criticism we see online.

Listen to these testimonies from a couple of Twitter users.

This situation has been incredibly distressing for me, and I’ve lived in fear of when the next vexatious complaint or nasty social media post will appear. At points I’ve been suicidal, and am now receiving psychological help from RCS to deal with what’s been happening.

This particular lady had just recently shared in a public forum her own personal nightmare of rape and domestic abuse. In doing so, she encountered many people who criticized her and judged her on social media.

Here is another example.

Twitter "Critical" brainrot is literally affecting my ability to enjoy things and causing my depression to become worse. It's not even limited to online like back in the day because now everyone IRL is digesting online discourse BS so I can't even escape it anymore like I used to

This one is interesting for one simple reason. What started on social media flowed over into real life. Note how the judgmental attitudes and constant criticism were affecting this person physically and increasing their depression.

Unfortunately, we’re constantly bombarded with opinions, judgments, and the pressure to present a perfect image. This constant barrage of online and offline judgment contributes to a society that thrives on blame and retribution. We’re quick to point fingers, to assign blame, and to demand justice, often without considering our role in the situation.

But what if there’s a way to transcend this cycle of finger-pointing? What if we could break free from the shackles of judgment and find a path of grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation?

That's the inspiring journey we’ll embark on today. In fact, our text today tells the story of a woman who endured the same judgmental attitude and criticism that many suffer today, but found relief and freedom in the grace of our Lord.

Let’s read the story.

John 8:1–11 KJV 1900

1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. 2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. 3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, 4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? 6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. 7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. 8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Let’s face it: We all make mistakes. I am pretty sure that each of us here this morning has, at some point, felt superior, judged others, and given into temptation. It’s part of being human. The Bible says in Romans 3:23

Romans 3:23 KJV 1900

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Sound familiar?

The Pharisees in today’s story wanted to trap Jesus. They were blind to their flaws and eager to condemn this woman. We see this a lot today—people are quick to judge on social media, in politics, and even among friends. Too often, we are quick to criticize others while ignoring our shortcomings.

Jesus’ powerful statement, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her,” cuts through the malarkey. It forces us to look inward. Have I been perfect? Can I point a finger?

Instead of condemnation, Jesus offered grace. That’s the core of the Gospel. He forgives us and calls us to forgive others. It’s not about being perfect but about acknowledging our need for grace and extending it to others.

True humility isn’t about pretending we’re better than anyone else. It’s about acknowledging our flaws and relying on God’s help. So this morning, I want to challenge you to focus less on judging others and spend more time seeking forgiveness and extending it to those around you.

Let’s start with this thought.

All of us need to...

Recognize Our Reality

I made this point last week, but it needs to be reiterated today. None of us are perfect. The Pharisees were not perfect. In their minds, they thought themselves to be more spiritual and perfect than the adulterous woman. Yet, Christ nailed it when He instructed whosoever was without sin to be the one to first cast a stone at her. We know the result of His statement. Scripture records...

John 8:9 KJV 1900

9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

The phrase “convicted by their own conscience” is an interesting description. In original Greek, convicted means “to be sternly admonished.” Note that it was their “conscience” which sternly admonished them.

Christ, for the most part, hadn’t said much. He only stated that whoever is without sin casts the first stone. Outside of that, Christ did nothing but ignore them as He wrote on the ground. No, the conviction came from within. The word “conscience” is the faculty within us to discern between right and wrong. That awareness within us either afflicts or comforts us depending upon the person and their actions.

Just as all of us are born sinners, we are born with a “conscience.”

Let’s go back to the Garden of Eden like we did last week. That is where it all started. It was where God created man, where God set the moral parameters for man, and where man violated those parameters, inheriting a sinful nature. However, something else took place.

If you recall, God’s instruction to Adam was NOT to eat from the “Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.” Today, we might refer to that same tree as the “Tree of Conscience.” Interestingly, the Garden of Eden contained both the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Again, it was the “Tree of Conscience” that God instructed Adam NOT to eat its fruit. Do you remember the consequences if they did? God said they would surely die if they violated this one rule. As the story goes, Satan came along and tempted Eve. What was the primary temptation? Satan distorted God’s instruction and sold Eve on the idea that God was withholding something good from them. In particular, the “Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil” was at the center of that temptation. Satan convinced Eve that in eating its fruit, she would indeed become like God, knowing good and evil. She, of course, admired the tree and its fruit, noted that it looked good to eat, and, in a moment, reached out, took the fruit, ate it, and then gave it to Adam, who also ate the fruit.

It was at that moment that two things happened.

First, sin entered the world. Man violated God’s mandate. Man chose the lust of the eyes, the flesh, and the pride of life over his relationship with the Creator of the Universe.

Romans 5:12 KJV 1900

12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Second, man indeed gained the ability to know good and evil.

We know that its immediate result is recorded for us in Genesis.

Genesis 3:7 KJV 1900

7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

What happened? The awareness of good and evil awakened within them. They gained a conscience. Immediately, they were ashamed and began making amends for the evil they had committed. Adam and Even tried covering their nakedness, and then, when God came, they hid from Him.

Since that day, every person born into the world possesses a sinful nature and a conscience that discerns good and evil.

That is the point. Our reality is that we are sinners. Our reality is that we possess the knowledge to know when we are doing good or evil. Additionally, that awareness of good and evil causes us either pain or peace, depending on our actions.

Such was the case with the Pharisees and this adulterous woman they brought before Christ. Christ did nothing more than prime their conscience with a simple statement. It was a statement of truth and reality. None of us are without sin, and we know it. We all make mistakes. We all have fallen short of God’s glory. Every one of us succumbs to temptation. These Pharisees were no less a sinner than the woman who cheated on her husband. Thus, the conviction of their conscience caused each of them to walk away, knowing they were just as guilty as her.

Not only does this story bring to light our reality, but it also...

Reveals Our Hypocrisy

There were three things characterized by these men, the Pharisees, that reveal our hypocrisy.

First, they were blinded by their sinful ambition.

It is no little thing that this chapter and story opens with Christ teaching the people in the Temple. By this time, Christ has a large following. Multitudes are flocking to Him. They are now coming not just for the miracles but also for His teaching. As a result, the Pharisees, who had enjoyed much popularity and power before Christ’s arrival, are entirely jealous. Already, in the previous chapter, they were trying to arrest Him. Several times, they have attempted to take Him by force. Even in this story, their one ambition was to catch Him in a falsehood so they could legally accuse and arrest Him.

Second, they were much too eager to condemn not just this woman but also Christ.

Their condemnation, judgmental attitude, and criticism were quite obvious. The very fact that they even knew about this woman and her adulterous affair shows how they were constantly meddling in the lives of others. You might remember their involvement with the man Christ healed next to the Pool of Bethesda in John 5. As we get to John 9, they insert themselves again when Christ heals a blind man with clay. Each instance demonstrated their eagerness to condemn others, especially the Lord Jesus Christ.

Third, they were utterly ignorant of their sin.

Repeatedly, these men challenged Jesus, who is the truth. This constant challenge of Christ and His sayings revealed just how ignorant they were of their sins. In their minds, they were right, and He was wrong. Later in this same chapter, Christ will address the root of their blindness. However, for now, the point is that their hypocrisy was evident in their ignorance of sin and their judgmental attitude toward others.

These three characteristics of hypocrisy are evident today as well. We see them in every area of society. In politics, politicians ignore ethical considerations or the public good just so they can achieve power. They are driven by their sinful ambitions. They rush to condemn others, seeking to vilify their opponents. Amazingly, they are quick to criticize the behavior of others without any concern or self-awareness of their actions.

However, let’s be careful.

John 8:7 KJV 1900

7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

The politicians of today are not the only ones guilty. We have already noted how many hide behind the facade of social media as they criticize others. In doing so, they manifest the same three traits of hypocrisy. Throughout all of society, people hypocritically judge and condemn other people. It happens in churches, businesses, and throughout the community. There is a persistent human tendency to prioritize personal interests over truth, compassion, and forgiveness. This leads to division, misunderstanding, and a lack of genuine spiritual growth.

How, then, do we get beyond the finger-pointing? What must happen to overcome the hypocrisy of judgmental attitudes and condemnation? How do we...

Resist the Urge to Judge

Christ has the answer and IS the answer!

His answer that day was...

John 8:7 KJV 1900

7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

We must start there. We must admit our reality—that we are all sinners. None of us are born into this world righteous or without sin.

Ironically, on that day, the one person who said, “He that is without sin among you,” was the only one without sin among them. Impressive is that even He did not cast a stone at the woman! Instead, what did He say to her?

John 8:11 KJV 1900

11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

The great news is that Christ came not to condemn us but to forgive us!

John 12:47 KJV 1900

47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

There was no reason for Jesus to come and condemn us. We are already under God’s condemnation. The moment we sinned, we came under God’s judgment. It is not a matter of judgment but of rescue. He came to rescue you and me. He came to give us eternal life. He came because He is a God of love and forgiveness.

Luke 5:24 KJV 1900

24 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.

If you want to move beyond the finger-pointing, you must start with Christ. Acknowledge your sinful condition. Acknowledge the reality of Christ and how He came and died for your sins. He died, rose again, and is now ascended unto the Father. Believe Him with all your heart. Confess all this to Him with your mouth. If you will, you will experience His forgiveness and salvation.

Ephesians 2:8–9 KJV 1900

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Romans 5:8 KJV 1900

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Accepting Christ is the first step to moving beyond the hypocrisy of finger-pointing.

After you accept Christ, something amazing happens. In that moment, God imparts His Spirit into your body. You become a temple of the Holy Spirit. What does that mean? It means that you now have within you the desire and power to move beyond constant judgmental attitudes towards others. You can not embrace a life of truth, compassion, and forgiveness. You are freed from the cycle of criticism. You are no longer under sin’s bondage. You can now be God’s instrument of righteousness.

Romans 6:9–14 KJV 1900

9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

Unbeliever, that can be you. Believer, that is you.

Moving beyond the finger-pointing is all about God’s great grace towards us.

Conclusion

Today, we began our journey through John 8, noting how the Pharisees, blinded by their ambition and eager to condemn, stood before Jesus with a woman caught in adultery. Much like our lives, this story mirrors the struggle with judgment, hypocrisy, and the human condition of sin. But herein lies the beautiful truth: Jesus didn't come to cast stones; He came to offer grace. He did not come to condemn. He came to save.

Through social media and daily interactions, the modern world often echoes the Pharisees' mistakes. We're quick to judge, eager to condemn, and blind to our own faults. Yet Jesus' message is clear: "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." This isn't just a challenge to the Pharisees but to us, compelling us to look inward at our own imperfections.

Today, we're reminded that recognizing our reality as sinners is the first step toward genuine change. We all possess a conscience, that divine gift from the Garden of Eden that calls us to discern right from wrong. Yet, instead of using this to judge others, we should use it to seek forgiveness and extend grace, just as Christ did.

We must embrace Christ's example and sacrifice to resist the urge to judge. He offers us not condemnation but salvation, transforming us from vessels of judgment into bearers of His love and forgiveness.

So, as we leave this morning, let's commit to moving beyond the finger-pointing. Let's start by acknowledging our need for grace, accepting Christ's forgiveness, and sharing that grace with others. Let us be known not for our criticism but for our compassion, not for our judgment but for our love.

Remember, the path to overcoming hypocrisy and judgmental attitudes isn't through our own righteousness but through the transformative power of God's grace. Let us walk in this newness of life, free from the cycle of condemnation, and instead, be ambassadors of reconciliation and peace.

May the Lord bless you as you seek to live out this truth in your daily lives, reflecting the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ to all you meet. Amen.