5th Sunday of Lent

In today's Gospel Jesus is shown as seated in the Temple teaching the people who come to him. The scribes and Pharisees are dismayed that Jesus is attracting the people and are afraid that he will lead them astray. They even acknowledge that he, the carpenter's son from Nazareth, has some influence by addressing him, even if only sarcastically, as "Teacher." (Jn 8: 4) Jesus has already shown his Messianic credentials by working various signs and healing many people. His opponents need to nip this challenge to their authority in the bud. To do this they look for a case where they can make Jesus look as being lax in his interpretation of the law or force him to back track on his teachings of mercy and love by condemning the woman caught in adultery. Their insistent questioning (Jn 8: 7) shows that they think they are on to a winner. They have no care for the woman. She is merely a pawn in their attempt to embarrass Jesus. Jesus' opponents are confounded, however, when he turns the tables by asking them to see their own sin before they condemn that of the woman. The challenge is now that they either put themselves in the place of God by asserting their sinlessness or hold back, thus having their hypocrisy revealed. They walk away.This begs the question: do I put Jesus to the test by gossiping and accusing others? Jesus, for his part, said to Nicodemus: "Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him." (Jn 3: 17)