“Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Jesus a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But WHAT DO YOU SAY?” (John 8:3-5)
If Jesus recommended that the woman be released, He could be accused of BREAKING THE LAW OF MOSES. On the other hand, if Jesus recommended stoning the woman, He would be BREAKING ROMAN LAW, bringing on the wrath of the government and giving the Jewish leaders occasion to accuse Him. The Jewish leaders cared nothing for true justice, evidenced by the fact THEY ONLY BROUGHT THE ADULTEROUS WOMAN; justice would naturally demand that the ADULTEROUS MAN FACE THE SAME TREATMENT.
So, what could Jesus do? “This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against Him. Jesus bent down and WROTE WITH HIS FINGER ON THE GROUND.” (John 8:6) Jesus may have written in their hearts, something like this, Abel, you cheated your neighbor, Samuel, you lusted after the woman next door… “And as they continued to ask Him, He stood up and said to them, “Let him who is WITHOUT SIN among you be the first to throw a stone at her. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before Him. Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, WHERE ARE THEY? Has no one condemned you?” (John 8:7, 9-10)
What they were experiencing was what the Bible calls “conviction” or “godly-sorrow”– elegchó in Greek. It means expose, condemn or reprimand. We can respond when the Lord convicts us of sin, by REPENTING or WALKING AWAY. God does this so WE WILL REPENT, THAT’S GOD’S WILL! BUT THEY ALL CHOSE TO WALK AWAY!
“She said, “No one, Lord.” Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; GO, and from now on SIN NO MORE.” (John 8:11)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham