Early in the morning Jesus went into the temple and the people gathered around him to hear him teach. They had heard him before and were impressed with his demeanor and his words. He had substantiated his message with miracles. Those who heard him before must have come with anticipation. Those who heard him for the first time must have been fascinated. But there were a group of men who were not favorably impressed. They were afraid of losing their influence over the crowds and so were seeking a way to entrap him.
These men, the scribes and Pharisees brought an adulterous woman and put her in front of Jesus where everyone could see her. “Teacher,” they said, “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 8:1-6).
If he had her stoned, he would lose his reputation of kindness and forgiveness. If he did not have her stoned he would be breaking Moses’ law and would be seen by the crowds as a heretic.
Jesus at first ignored them, giving them time to dig their whole deeper. Then raising himself up he said, “He who is without sin cast the first stone.” This was a problem because to throw a stone would mean they thought they were perfect, which was as unacceptable in their time as it is in ours. There was nothing to do but leave (John 1-9).
Thrown any stones lately?
