On one occasion when Jesus was in the temple, the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman before Him who had allegedly been caught in the act of adultery. It is an interesting account, and some have tried to use it to argue that we should not try to strictly follow God’s word. But as we examine the passage, we can see that Jesus teaches just the opposite – we must be careful and diligent to follow what God’s word teaches.

The scribes and Pharisees brought this woman before Jesus, claiming that she was “caught in adultery, in the very act” (John 8:4). Then they tested Jesus: “Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do you say?” (John 8:5). They were trying to find some reason to accuse Him, presumably either to take Him before the Roman rulers or to turn the people against Him. In either case, Jesus initially ignored their question.

When they pressed Him, He responded, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7). Then, one by one, each of them left until there was no one left but Jesus and this woman. He asked her, “‘Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?’ She said, ‘No one, Lord,’ And Jesus said, ‘I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more’” (John 8:10-11).
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