The Trap

Have you ever been in a situation where you have been asked a difficult question? I am referring to a question that no matter how you answer, you feel trapped. My wife says that I often answer a question with a question. Perhaps it is my way of avoiding the "trick" question that does not seem to have a good answer.

When the religious leaders felt threatened by Jesus, they did everything in their power to trap him with situations or questions that did not have any right answers. I thought about this while I was in Church yesterday. The reading was about the prostitute who had been caught in the act and was about to be stoned to death. The elders asked Jesus what they should do, follow the law and stone her or set the sinner free? Jesus knew that these men did not care about the situation, they only wanted to set a trap.

As I was listening to the Scripture reading, I had a few questions too. For example, "Where was the guy? Why was he allowed to go unpunished? " Jesus knew that these men were trying to build a case against Him because He was the ultimate threat to their power. Jesus could see into their very souls. He told them, "let he who is without sin cast the first stone." The elders were the first ones to drop their stones and the rest disappeared. The only one left was Jesus. He was the only one without sin. His actions showed all of us that the best thing to do is to forgive.

Jesus told the woman she was free to go and He told her to stop messing around. Her life was changed and she followed Jesus for the rest of her life. The people that connected with Jesus were some of the most despicable people of their time. Even today, Jesus has a way of finding these outcasts and changing their hearts.

The biggest lesson I have learned from Jesus is to let go of my stones and to stop judging other people. Life is full of traps and people who want to trick you. Give these people an answer that lets them know your wisdom is not of this world. It may be the answer they have been searching for all their lives. Point them to Jesus. When we follow Jesus, we will never be stuck in the trap.