Son of God Refuses to Condemn Adulteress

Jesus of Nazareth – the so-called “son of God” -- was in the middle of controversy again yesterday. As he taught a group of curious onlookers in the court of the Gentiles, Jesus was confronted by a group of Jewish religious leaders. The religious leaders brought a woman they had caught in the act of adultery to the teacher from Nazareth.
According to the Torah, a person caught in adultery is to receive the death penalty by stoning. Roman law prohibits such action by unauthorized individuals.
The religious leaders asked Jesus what should be done to the woman. While they were waiting for his answer, Jesus wrote something in the dirt. None of the witnesses could say exactly what he wrote.
After several moments of anxious anticipation by the leaders and the crowd, Jesus stood and simply said, “He who is without sin cast the first stone.”
Soon the religious leaders began to disappear starting with the oldest. After all the leaders had left, Jesus asked the woman, “Where are they? Does no one condemn you?”
Jesus then said, “Neither do I. Go on your way. From now on, don’t sin.”
One eyewitness, Martha Levy said, “It was amazing. I’ve never seen the religious leaders back down to anyone. Jesus was so compassionate and so courageous. I wonder if he could really be the Messiah?”
A second witness, Eli Abrams said, “This is unbelievable. The woman was caught in the act, and nobody does anything about it. And where was the guy, the fellow she got caught with? Why wasn’t he here? I think this Jesus character needs to be stopped.”
According to several of Jesus’ disciples, the religious leaders were hoping to discredit Jesus because of his growing popularity and because of the controversy surrounding his teachings. This teacher from Nazareth is definitely a divisive figure in the community. Some think he is the expected Messiah while others think he is a heretical troublemaker.
Jesus and his followers continue their stay in the city despite threats and accusations against them.