This story of the woman caught in the act of adultery did not originate in the Gospel of John, but rather was associated with Luke's gospel. This gospel is not really about the sinfulness and immorality of adultery, but rather the Pharisees attempting to undermine Jesus' credibility with a question in order to trap him. The Pharisees didn't really care one way or other about the woman. They wanted to trap Jesus in order to get him out of their lives. To them he was a threat to their way of life and their authority. In this story we see Jesus' relationship with the law and his rapport with his own religious officials. Jesus is wonderful in maneuvering around these tests that the Pharisees put to him. Further he shows his deep compassionate care for the woman who has been used almost as a "set up" by the scribes and Pharisees in order to trap him.
Some scripture scholars theorize that when Jesus bent over to write on the ground that he was writing the sins of those who were condemning the woman. Jesus, as God, knew their sinfulness and knew their reasoning for bringing her before him. Probably one of the people there ready to throw the stone was the man she was accused of committing this sin with. Yet the guilt was placed all on her.
Jesus, always ready to respond fairly and justly, simply responds, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7) One by one they drop their stones and walk away. Then Jesus looks lovingly at her, and after finding out that no one has condemned her, he says, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, [and] from now on do not sin any more.” (John 8:11)
Jesus speaks to each one of us in this encounter with this woman. We are to turn away from things that prevent us from developing a closer relationship with God. Jesus is encouraging each one of us to "sin no more." But Jesus also know that there will be times when we can fall short of what he expects of us. We then can turn back to him, receive forgiveness in the sacrament of confession, and then start fresh.
Jesus was often under fire from his critics because they didn't understand the heart of his message. No matter what our faults or sins, God's willingness to forgive is guaranteed. Those who truly follow Christ can be recognized by their willingness to extend the same forgiveness he gave.
The Jewish Law actually called for BOTH the man & the woman caught in adultery to be stoned. The hypocritical & sexist Pharisees sought only to stone the woman. God's Law is not a double standard. JESUS did not practice or look favorably on a double standard. His judgment AND His mercy are offered equally to all. JESUS came not to condemn but to redeem. From Arlene.
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