Did you play special games in school? We played all sorts. Some were all for fun, others just taught life lessons. I recall one ‘taunt’ that was also a life lesson. When someone cast aspersions on another, we’d say, ‘Big finger never tell a lie’. It held the speaker in check, inviting them to address their own issues before judging others. I believe that that game/taunt may have originated with Y’shua Jesus. It was certainly a feature of His ministry. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat for example.
John 8:9-10 AMP
[9] They listened [to His reply], and they began to go out one by one, starting with the oldest ones, until He was left alone, with the woman [standing there before Him] in the center of the court. [10] Straightening up, Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?”
Big Finger Never Tell a Lie
The taunt suggests that in physically pointing fingers, the thumb points back at us. (I just tried to do the action and failed). Back then, the message was clear to me and my schoolmates. Matthew 7:1-3 taught us: ‘Do not judge lest you fall prey to judgement, for the measure you use to judge will be used to judge you.’
Does that not sound like what Jesus implied in His response to the detractors, ‘If you’re sinless, start throwing stones.’ Left to their own devices, one by one they slowly left the ‘crime scene’ without one stone being hurled.
Self-Check
Would you have slipped away on hearing Jesus’ utterance? Or would you be holding that stone for Him instead?
Application
While the childhood taunt can be seen as slightly cheeky, it was also that ‘soft answer’ that de-escalated the situation. Where possible, we avoid a biased reply, conscious that our actions testify of our faith. When caught in tense situations, it may be helpful to find that soft answer. Afterwards, we can seek arbitration or resolve it calmly.
It is also worth noting that Jesus addressed the woman after the crowd dispersed. He didn’t leave her potential conversion-conviction to chance. He started with the obvious: ‘Where are they [who would condemn you]?’ The question invited reflection on her part to think of the miracle she’d experienced.
She was alive. There was scope for redemption or, at the very least, negotiation with Jesus.
Point to Ponder
Has Y’shua ever had to speak on our behalf in such a manner?
When granted temporary reprieve from our error, what do we do? Selah
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May all we seek be found in Christ
