One day, Jesus was teaching in the temple when some Pharisees and teachers of the law dragged a woman in and made her stand there as they accused her.

They told Jesus that she had been caught in the act of adultery, that the Law of Moses said they had to stone her, and asked what He said about it.

They weren’t really concerned with what He had to say, they just wanted to trick Him into saying something wrong so they could accuse Him. Jesus knew this, so instead of saying anything, He started writing on the ground with His finger.

But they wouldn’t go away, so He straightened and said, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7), then kept writing.

What did He write? We don’t know for certain, but whatever it was caused the teachers and Pharisees to leave.

Soon only Jesus and the woman were left. Then, Jesus stood and asked where her accusers were? Who condemned her?

“No one, sir,” she said.

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:11).

He could have condemned her, but He didn’t. He was the only one there without sin, and yet He chose to show mercy.

Praise God, He hasn’t changed. He still shows mercy today.