Description
It is written that Jesus stooped down and began to write in the sand. We can imagine a moment of complete silence. No record was made as to what Jesus wrote, but in a few moments he looked up to the men who were accusing the woman and said quietly, “Let him who is without sin among you cast the first stone.” Again he began to write in the sand. And looking up for the second time, he was alone with the woman, and he asked here, “Where are thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee?
” She replied, “No man, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn thee. Go and sin no more.”
Without subtlety Jesus handled the situation, for they thought they had trapped him. But his reply was so far-reaching that it brought shame to their minds. It was as though he were saying: “Gentlemen, you have astute minds. You are very learned in the law of Moses. You are vigilant to see that it is carried out to the utmost. No doubt you are right. But, being honorable men, none of you would think of stoning this woman unless you were first sure that you have not sinned.
Who is in a position to condemn another?