"What If?" - by Joel Hempel
(Based on the story of the “woman caught in adultery.” John 8: 2 – 11)
There is no way you can know this about me, but your story is my story.
Indeed, your story may be everyone’s story.
As I have wondered about you and reflected upon your encounter, I have caught myself smiling, but mostly there have been tears – tears of sorrow, and then tears of gratitude. I wish I could have been there.
I have often placed myself in the middle of the scene and questioned what role I would have taken. Over the years, I have noticed that my role has changed.
I have so many questions I’d like to ask you. So, I’ve decided to do just that.
That day, that shockingly painful then redemptive day, what if you had not been caught?
What if the man who supposedly was "not caught" said, "No"?
What if the religious officials actually were righteous and had mercy on you?
What if Jesus had not been in town or didn’t want his teaching interrupted?
What if Jesus lived and taught by the letter of the law as did the other religious leaders?
What if he just didn’t care?
What if he cared but could not reach his indignation – or was afraid to confront?
What if he had only challenged the stone-throwers but said nothing to you?
What if your story was never told?
What if your story was told, but we never read it, and our sin was never confronted?
What if our sin went unforgiven?
.................................................................................Thank you for being there!
……………………………………………Thank you, Jesus!
The above poem first appeared in Caring Connections, An Inter-Lutheran Journal for Practitioners and Teachers of Pastoral Care and Counseling, “Forgiveness and Pastoral Care.” VOLUME 6 NUMBER 3 Fall 2009
