Jesus not only forgives but frees the sinner. Where do we stand? How would we have judged this woman brought before him in shame and disgrace and "deserving" capital punishment? Like the scribes and Pharisees, are we too intent on using religion to validate our decisions to carry out our judgements so that justice prevails? Jesus had come to "fulfil" the Law as the scribes and Pharisees wanted and give the nod to stone the woman?

Jesus chooses instead to make those who demand justice and condemnation take responsibility for their actions: that is, for setting him up in trying to kill someone! He turns the Law on them: "Let anyone among you who has no sin be the first to throw a stone at her!" It was no longer the woman who was on trial!

When we come face to face with the unconditional love of God, we cannot but begin to feel unworthy and awkward. Our self-importance seems ridiculous, then. God's forgiveness is complete and unconditional: 'neither will I condemn you ... go and do not sin anymore.' The freedom that came with God's forgiveness would have left the woman in tears of gratitude and joy. Her conversion cum redemption was instant.