One morning, Jesus was teaching in the temple when a group of religious leaders suddenly interrupted Him. They dragged a woman in front of everyone and said, “This woman was caught in the act of adultery. The Law of Moses says we should stone her. What do you say?” (John 8:4–5).

They didn’t actually care about justice. John 8:6 tells us their real goal — they were trying to trap Jesus. If He said to stone her, He’d look cruel and go against His message of forgiveness. If He said to let her go, they’d accuse Him of breaking God’s law.

Instead of answering, Jesus knelt down and started writing in the dirt. The Bible doesn’t say what He wrote, but it’s clear He was giving everyone time to think. Then He stood up and said one line that changed everything:

“Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”

Suddenly, the crowd went silent. One by one, people started walking away. They realized they weren’t innocent either. Romans 3:23 says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” The oldest ones left first, probably because they’d lived long enough to know their own mistakes.

Soon, the woman was standing there alone with Jesus. He looked at her and asked, “Where are your accusers? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, sir.” And Jesus replied, “Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.”

This short moment shows what grace really looks like. Jesus didn’t deny that she had sinned — He just chose mercy over judgment. He didn’t say, “What you did is fine.” He said, “You’re forgiven. Now live differently.”

That’s how Jesus treats us too. Every one of us has done things that make us guilty before God. Maybe not the same sins, but still sins. And just like that woman, we stand before Him with nothing to defend ourselves. But instead of throwing a stone, Jesus took the punishment for us on the cross.

This story reminds us to stop being quick to judge others. In Matthew 7:3, Jesus said, “Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own?” When we remember how much grace we’ve been given, it changes how we treat people.

The takeaway is simple: drop the stone.

Don’t throw shame or judgment at others just because their sin looks different from yours. Let grace lead.

The sound of those stones hitting the ground that day meant freedom — not just for the woman, but for everyone who realized they weren’t perfect either. And that same grace is still available to you today.

When you’re not sure how to pray, A.C.T.S. gives you a simple path to follow: Adore, Confess, Thank, and Ask.

Adoration: God, You are full of mercy and truth. You see everything and still choose grace.

Confession: I’ve been quick to judge and slow to forgive. Help me drop the stones I hold.

Thanksgiving: Thank you for forgiving me when I didn’t deserve it and for calling me to live changed.

Supplication: Give me a heart that shows mercy the way you do.

In Jesus name, Amen

“Worthy” by Elevation Worship

Click play to Support Daily Devotion ⬇️

Thanks for letting us be part of how you start your day with God.

Remember, you are not without sin, so do not cast stones.

Before you head out, would you take 10 seconds to click play on the YouTube video above? Every link click helps us reach more people and attract sponsors so we can keep Daily Devotion free for everyone.

See you tomorrow,

Zach and the Daily Devotion team