John 8:8

This is another enigmatic reference. It had the result of freeing Jesus’ critics from His convicting gaze. Perhaps the writer mentioned it to show that it was God who would produce conviction through Jesus’ authoritative words rather than through His physical eye contact (cf. Matthew 7:28-29; John 7:46). By writing on the ground again Jesus graciously gave the scribes and Pharisees another opportunity to rethink their decision and repent.