1. The trap (7:53-8:6a)

Does your heart go out to this woman who was caught in adultery? Mine does, because I am a sinner as well. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees were ruthless, bringing the woman before Jesus and demanding that he declare whether or not she should be stoned. It was a horrible trap. They knew of his compassion for sinners and thought he might incriminate himself by disregarding the Law of Moses. On the other hand, if he consented to her being stoned, he would be violating Roman law. The tension was palpable and all eyes were on Jesus. One wonders what the woman was thinking during all of this. Did she know of Jesus and his love?

2. "Neither do I condemn you" (6b-11)

At first, Jesus didn't say anything. The religious leaders persisted and finally Jesus straightened up and said, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." Christ, in his wonderful wisdom, exposed their hypocrisy. All of them had sinned and deserved the punishment they sought to inflict on the woman. After a few moments, Jesus was the only one left with the woman. He was the only one who had any right to cast a stone, but he didn't. Instead, he forgave her and commanded her to leave her life of sin.