Introduction

The episode of the adulterous woman, recounted in the Gospel of John (Jn 8:1-11), raises an important question: By preventing the stoning of a woman caught in adultery, did Jesus abolish the Law of Moses? Indeed, the Torah commanded that adulterers be punished by death (Lev 20:10; Deut 22:22). However, Jesus says to the woman: “Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.” (Jn 8:11). This response seems to contradict the strictness of the Law. However, a careful reading shows that Jesus does not abolish the Law but brings it to fulfilment in truth, mercy, and perfect justice.

1. Jesus Does Not Abolish the Law; He Fulfils It

Jesus himself declares in the Sermon on the Mount:

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them.” (Mt 5:17)

This means that Jesus gives the Law its full spiritual meaning. He does not contradict it but elevates it to a higher level, founded not solely on the letter but on love, truth, and inner conversion.

2. The Conditions of the Law Were Not Fulfilled

In the case of the adulterous woman, the scribes and Pharisees do not fully respect the Law:

– The Law requires that both the man and the woman be punished together (Deut 22:22), but here only the woman is brought forward.

– Two or three credible witnesses were necessary to pronounce a condemnation (Deut 17:6).

Jesus highlights their hypocrisy by saying: “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” (Jn 8:7)

Thus, Jesus exposes the injustice of their intentions: They use the Law not to uphold holiness but to trap Him.

3. Jesus Does Not Deny Sin but Offers Mercy

Jesus does not minimise the wrongdoing; He never says that adultery is not a sin. On the contrary, He invites the woman to turn away from her past life:

“Go now and leave your life of sin.” (Jn 8:11)

He thus embodies God’s justice tempered by mercy, as the prophet Hosea foretold:

“For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgement of God rather than burnt offerings.” (Hos 6:6)

Conclusion

Jesus does not abolish the Mosaic Law in the episode of the adulterous woman. Instead, He reveals its true spirit—a Law designed to lead to holiness, conversion, and life, rather than being exploited for hypocrisy or condemnation without hope. By refusing an unjust execution, Jesus honours the Law while transforming it through grace, fulfilling His mission:

“The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Lk 19:10)

Here’s a similar article: Is All Scripture Profitable or Not‎?

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