We’d love for you to open your bibles to John 8:1-11
STORY – “In the Dust”
Based on John 8:3–11
The morning air was still cool when the woman awoke, her heart heavy before her eyes had even opened. The soft breeze carried the scent of baked bread and the earthy perfume of olive groves just outside the city. But none of it comforted her.
Not today.
She sat up on the edge of her mat, drawing the shawl tighter around her shoulders, but the chill she felt was not from the air—it came from something deeper, something that clawed at her soul.
Her name was Yael.
She had once been a girl full of hope, laughter, and dreams. But years had passed, and with them came decisions she now wished she could undo. Loneliness and whispered promises had lured her into the arms of a man who was not hers. She’d told herself it was love. She’d told herself no one would know.
But they had.
The sound of harsh voices echoed down the narrow stone street. Doors opened. Curious eyes peered out. Then came fists against her door.
Before she could gather herself, they dragged her—rough hands and louder shouts. She stumbled, nearly barefoot, over broken stones and scattered straw. Her hair fell from its covering. Her eyes stung with dust and shame.
“Adulteress!” one cried. “To the Teacher!”
The Temple steps rose before her like a wall of judgement. The sun had risen higher now, casting sharp shadows on the white stone courtyard. People crowded in to see what the uproar was about.
Yael’s heart pounded as they pushed her forward. She fell to her knees, gravel biting into her skin.
There He was.
The Teacher.
Jesus of Nazareth.
He was sitting quietly, speaking to a group. But the moment He looked at her, the noise faded. There was no disgust in His eyes. No condemnation. Just… stillness. Understanding.
The Pharisees—men in fine robes and eyes full of pride—spoke loud enough for all to hear.
“Teacher! This woman was caught in the very act of adultery. The Law of Moses says to stone such a woman. What do You say?”
The question hung in the air like a sword. The crowd murmured. Some looked at Yael with disgust. Others with morbid curiosity. A few with pity.
Jesus didn’t answer.
Instead, He knelt.
The Teacher knelt.
And with His finger, He began to draw in the dust.
Yael couldn’t see what He wrote. But the moment felt holy. Still. As though even the air had stopped to watch.
The Pharisees grew impatient. “Well? What do You say?”
He stood then, slowly, and His voice was calm but strong. It carried weight. It carried mercy and justice all at once.
“Let any one of you who is without sin cast the first stone.”
Silence.
Yael held her breath. The weight of shame threatened to crush her. She shut her eyes tightly, waiting for the first rock.
But it never came.
Instead… footsteps. One by one. Sandals scuffing the ground. Stones falling from hands. A cough. A whispered apology. Then nothing.
She opened her eyes.
The courtyard was nearly empty.
Just Jesus.
And her.
He came closer. Not too close. Just enough.
“Woman,” He said gently, “where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
Yael’s voice trembled. “No one, sir.”
“Then neither do I condemn you,” He said, a kindness shining in His eyes that made fresh tears fall. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
And just like that… He turned and walked away.
The sun warmed her face as she stood on shaky feet. The dust still clung to her skin, but inside—she felt clean.
Forgiven.
Free.
She walked away from the Temple steps barefoot and renewed, the scent of olive trees following her like a promise. She didn’t know what tomorrow held—but she knew she would never be the same again.
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4 TAKEAWAY TIPS – John 8:3–11
- Your past doesn’t define your worth.
No matter what mistakes you’ve made, God sees your heart—not just your history. Jesus didn’t label the woman by her sin; He called her “woman,” a term of dignity. You are more than your past. You are valuable. - People may judge you—but God offers grace.
Others may point fingers, but Jesus looks at you with love and compassion. He doesn’t humiliate or condemn—He restores. - Let go of shame and walk in freedom.
When Jesus said, “Go and sin no more,” He wasn’t just giving a command—He was offering a fresh start. Whatever you’re struggling with, know that you can walk away from it and begin again. - Stay close to the One who truly understands you.
Jesus knew everything about the woman and still stood up for her. He knows you completely and still chooses you.
Picture Credit – Free Bible Images
