Several years ago, while Dennis Bohrn and his friends were canoeing in the Snake River up in Idaho, they watched a tragedy unfold as a woman jumped from a nearby bridge in front of them, splashing deep into the current. There was no rescuing her.
Devastated by what they had witnessed, they quickly paddled to her, brought her lifeless body to shore, and called 911.
You can imagine the scene when the authorities arrived. The woman’s body was on the dock, those who had witnessed the tragedy were in tears, dozens of onlookers stood by, shocked.
It was at that moment that the sergeant on duty approached a couple of the members of the canoeing party. Instead of offering any gratitude or words of comfort, he said, “I see you don’t have any life jackets, so I’m giving you a ticket.” And he issued Dennis an $85 citation.
Was he right? By the letter of the law he was. He had every right to issue the ticket.
Just as Jesus had every right to join the bloodthirsty mob set on stoning the woman caught in adultery. After all, the law is the law.
But Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you…” (John 8:10)
There’s more to being a leader than just being right. There are times when we must be strong enough — and courageous enough — to show mercy.
© 2007/2026. This memo first appeared at Preaching Library.
