But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people were coming to Him; and He sat down and began to teach them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, and having set her in the center of the court, they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act. Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?” They were saying this, testing Him, so that they might have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground. But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. When they heard it, they began to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones, and He was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the center of the court. Straightening up, Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.”
(John 8:1-11 NASB)
The Trap
The chief priests and Pharisees had sent officers to arrest Jesus but to no avail. The officers, having heard Jesus speaking to the multitude found themselves, either unwilling or incapable by the power of our Lord’s words, of carrying out their assignment. Such was the authority contained in those words. Irrefutable Truth that could not but impact, one way or another, the minds and hearts of those who heard.
Perhaps, in their frustration, those same conspirators who so desperately wanted to do away with Jesus lest he lead the whole of Israel away from their influence, took advantage of the night to arrange another means of silencing him. The text does not say so but it is not, I think, beyond reason. A trap is devised. They will bring to Jesus the next day a woman caught in the very act of adultery.
It seems to me that a considerable measure of thought and planning must have gone into the scheme. It is the scribes and the Pharisees who bring the woman to Jesus. Was it mere coincidence that she had been caught in the very act and conveniently made available to them for the occasion? Or was it more sinister, the dark plotting of evil-hearted men willing to see a woman stoned to death if it would gain them the end they so heartily desired: the silencing of God’s human voice in their midst? As can be seen in our own age, humanity will go to great lengths in an attempt to still God’s voice. Yet driven by relentless, unfailing love, God’s voice could not then, nor now, nor at any time in the future be silenced. His Word will accomplish all that he intends.
~m
it seems I have some great reading and listening ahead !
My dear friend , I have found this article of the actions of our Lord Jesus , by you , one of the great reflections of the issue of the action, meaning, and subsequent results and how it can affect the individual to be heart lifting and full of the forgiveness and the love that is missing in todays society. The way you speak and the timber in your voice as you tell this experience of our Lord is of itself so meaningful. Thank you for this openness , and sharing this with such a bright reflection of life’s light.
Thank you for your kind words David. As you might wonder, 1984 was a life-changing year for me. What C.S. Lewis might refer to as a ‘severe mercy.’ Thanks for visiting the site. Hope you enjoy more of the material!