You Who is Without Sin

It must have been terribly embarrassing and humbling being caught in the act of adultery by the local religious leaders. She was definitely guilty of adultery according to the Law of Moses.  They probably drug her out of the room naked or half naked , down the street...and then stood her before Jesus...as they divulged her transgressions to the crowd.

Was it wrong for these religious leaders to enforce the law?  Was it wrong to protect the congregation they served...to keep the people of God pure? Was it wrong to discourage extramarital relations?

But Jesus knew their hearts. He sees all of our hearts...He knows our intentions.  He knew these men were not interested in "the spirit of the law." They were using "the letter of the law" to try to trap Jesus. They cared nothing about this woman. They did care about proving a point with this "know-it-all" preacher man.

Jesus told them... “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”
Wow...they disappeared. They got out of there.  What ever Jesus wrote in the dirt...probably scripture...convicted them of their own sin.   It is amazing how humbling our sins can be...when they are brought to our attention. The written word has a way of speaking directly to our hearts.

Suddenly it was just this poor woman and Jesus.  And he was compassionate with her.  He treated her...just as He does with any of us with a repentant heart.....He forgave her.

“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
   “No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
This can be our invitation, too....Repent and follow Jesus.