"Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
So when they continues asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her."
I read somewhere and then put it in my notes on this scripture that "This was a trap for Jesus, they had not stoned in a long time." Yes, under the law of Moses someone caught in the act of adultery was punishable by stoning to death, but the Jews were not following God's law. It was not acceptable socially so this is why they thought it such a trap for Jesus.
Would he honor the law of Moses or would he honor the social custom of the day? How inspiring when Jesus puts the decision back on them. Which of course they could not now lift a stone at the woman, for it would go against the people. I guess you could say it wouldn't be politically correct for them. I find it very interesting, not only does the Savior show such compassion for the woman, he also demonstrates how to handle those that set traps for us. Truly those that set traps for others have no true compassion or righteousness. I think those being "convicted by their own conscience" and leaving were showing they felt the hypocrites that they were. It does not say that they repented. Only to the woman did Christ say "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."
Day 1578
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