1. Was she guilty? Yes. But where are the witnesses? (Deut. 22:22)

This trap began falsely. There were no witnesses. This was an illegal accusation.

Notice they called him, “Teacher.” They called themselves, “Teachers” (vs. 3 Scribes)

Note: vs. 4 “Caught in the act.” So, who caught her and why weren’t they there?

Note: vs. 5 Two things are happening here.

• Moses’ Law
• Jesus’ law

If Jesus said to kill her, he violates Roman law. If he says not to kill her, he violates Moses’ Law.

Note: vs. 6 It was a trap.

“Basis” To change or to accuse

But Jesus…don’t you just love it when Jesus steps into a sticky, no way out situation?

1. Have you ever had one of those situations? It is during these times that we learn to trust that God has our best in mind.

• Just when life seems impossible – Jesus
• Just when all hope is gone – Jesus
• Just when you think God isn’t interested in your situation – Jesus
• Just when the critics are about to level their anger and bitterness toward you – Jesus
• Just about the time you’re ready to cash it all in – Jesus

Jesus stepped into this woman’s life and world and gave her his undivided attention. It’s called love. His love deflected her accuser’s hate toward him and away from her. That’s what Jesus does.

Jesus wrote something that day.

Note: vs. 7 Whoever is without sin (in this particular type of sin?)

• Without guilt; cannot sin; had not sinned; sinless

“Throw the first stone” (Deut. 22:22)

Key: Jesus stooped down again in front of a sinful, forsaken, unclean, outcast of a person who was hurting, lost and confused…but Jesus!!

Note: vs. 9 These men became conscience stricken

• Their silence was the revealing of their sins. The ugliness of sin will silence the false righteousness of ungodly people.

Thought: This was probably the first time anyone had stuck up for this woman.

She had found safety in the presence of the Savior. There is no greater hope for the broken hearted than the presence of Jesus.

Note: vs. 10 “Woman, where are your accusers?”

“Woman” was used as an endearing term.

Note: vs. 11 “No one, sir” (nobody)

“Sir” (Mr.) total respect

“Neither do I” (conjunction). They don’t; I don’t; they accept the truth; I accept the truth

1. And what was the truth? Only those who are without sin have the right to condemn her.

But Jesus…Neither do I condemn you

• Go and sin no more

Jesus isn’t condoning her lifestyle.

• She was guilty (they knew it; Jesus knew it; she knew it)

But Jesus…Jesus put this sin in its rightful place.

Once the crowd cleared, Jesus made it clear to her that her lifestyle was to change.

Lessons for us to learn.

1. Be careful when you pick up a stone to condemn someone

• You are just as guilty

1. Stand up for those who are being judged unlawfully
2. Sin is sin. And God is a just God.

• But Jesus – remember his mercy too

1. Jesus stood with those who were hurting, so should we