Some think he was writing magic in the ground. I think he was just doodling and that fired tempers because they were in a hurry to have a quick effective stoning so they could then go shopping. I'm betting that's what pressed their hot buttons. Just like little kids, whose parents are all too eager to finally exit the zoo, but instead they want to see the monkeys again. Parents fall into this trap a lot, because their lives are so full of agendas, stacked on agendas on hold.
Parents live in a future built on agendas and kids are irritating because they live in the present.
Maybe we parents are jealous. Lent should be a time to slow down, and doodle sweet nothings in the ground of our lives. I think God would consider that a prayer. This would be a great alternative, for Attention Deficit people like me, to a retreat house. The diocese should purchase many acres to turn into into a walking field where we can walk off our rage.