Jesus defends a man who has been convicted of stealing bread. The verdict is reversed. The man goes free, and the people supply the needs of his starving family.
A multitude of people thronged the streets. The officers were on the way to court with one, a man accused of stealing bread.
2 And in a little while the man was brought before the judge to answer to the charge.
3 And Jesus and the twelve were there. The man showed in his face and hands the hard drawn lines of toil and want.
4 A woman richly clad, the accuser of the man, stood forth and said, I caught this man myself; I know him well, for yesterday he came to beg for bread,
5 And when I drove him from my door, he should have known that I would harbor not a man like him; and then today he came and took the bread.
6 He is a thief and I demand that he be sent to jail.
7 The servants also testified against the man; he was adjudged a thief, and officers were leading him away.
8 But Jesus standing forth exclaimed, You officers and judge, be not in haste to lead this man away.
9 Is this a land of justice and of right? can you accuse and sentence men to punishment for any crime until they testify themselves?