“You have heard that it was said to those of old, `You shall not commit adultery.’ “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Mat 5:27-28 NKJ

Strong words from Jesus, but look at his reaction to the woman caught in adultery. “Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act.  “Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?” This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman is standing in the midst. (Joh 8:3-9 NKJ)

This account took place after a national festival where there was a great deal of drinking and celebration.  The fact that she was caught in the act must have meant that her male counterpart must also have  been present and yet appears to be missing at the trial, or was he?  We don’t know what Jesus wrote on the floor, but clearly, a strong conviction was present. If sinlessness was the requirement for casting the first stone, then none of those present should have even considered picking up a stone. The woman was guilty, but then, so were her accusers. Her repentant heart deserved forgiveness on one condition; she sins no more.