We live in an age when ‘one-size-fits-all’ is perceived as the ideal solution: cheap, convenient, able to deal with mass production. In clothing, it obviates any need for individual tailoring to fit people and is therefore much cheaper than creating something bespoke which only fits one person. In education, it shouts for uniformity and conformity because that makes life easier than dealing with the individual needs of children. In healthcare, it’s much easier to deal with numbers and the ‘average’ than actually dealing with complex bodies and minds.
Unfortunately, ‘one-size-fits-all’ actually fits no one, because the world is made up of unique individuals. We share common traits, but to be permanently treated as the same as everyone else undermines this individuality and leaves us feeling forgotten or misunderstood.
In the gospels, we find Jesus talking to individuals, and each conversation is different (though the need of all humanity is to be saved from sin and set free to live in relationship with God.) Jesus responds differently to each person even as He points all to the same destination (God). Each conversation offers a new path and is stamped with understanding, forgiveness and acceptance. Condemnation and rejection are not found in His approach to people.
In John 8:1-11, we see a woman caught in the act of adultery dragged to Jesus by self-righteous religious leaders who want to trap Jesus. His first response is silence, choosing to write in the ground rather than rise to their rabble. Silence can be an effective part of conversation at times.
Then He makes the telling comment that the one without sin should cast the first stone. Suddenly, the roles were shifted and the silence of the leaders becomes palpable as they realise they are not perfect and cannot therefore sit in judgment on this woman.
Jesus and the woman are left alone. Jesus asks her if there is anyone left to condemn her. She says not. He does not then (as the only sinless one present) cast the first stone. He says, ‘Neither do I condemn you’ and offers her a new way forward: ‘Go and leave your life on sin.’
The way Jesus treats this woman is so different to the world’s way He offers her a fresh start. He opens the door to freedom, to a different way of living, through His acceptance and kindness.
Jesus knows us as individuals and speaks to us as individuals. He loves us and offers us a different way to live
