Woman caught in adultery
Jesus was teaching in the temple courts
The Pharisees brought in a woman “ Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?”
They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him (i.e. would he show compassion and go against the Law of Moses)
Jesus started to write on the ground with his fingers
They kept questioning him.
Jesus said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”
Those who heard began to go away one at a time.
Jesus said to her ‘I do not condemn you, “Go now and leave your life of sin”’
Woman caught in adultery - Quotes
“ Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?”
“Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”
“Go now and leave your life of sin”
Jesus treatmeant of woman
He spoke to them frequently, accepted their help and spent time with them.
He was not afraid of criticism from others for his actions
He had serveral female followers, some of whom stayed with him at the cross and it was to woman that Jesus appeared after the Resurrection
What can Christians learn from the story?
Universalism - Christians should accept that Jesus’ message and salvation is for everyone, regardless of race, gender, backgroud or social status
Do not judge - Jesus is effectively teaching that making judgement on other people or discriminating against anyone because of their past is wrong, as we ourselves are all sinful in some way. No one is perfect
Obligation for Christians to respect everyone and challenge social injustice - Christians can learn to ensure everyone is treated with dignity and equality. They should challenge misconceptions and prejudice.
God frogives - Christians should be prepared to forgive others and not treat some sins as worse than others