The Pharisees continue to try to trap Jesus and bring a woman caught in adultery for him to condemn. But where is the man she was with? Where is the witness who according to their law would be the first to cast a stone. Jesus doesn’t ask these questions, he instead reaches to a higher principle and asks that the one without sin cast the first stone. No one can, and the accusers shrink away. Here is the heart of God, it isn’t about condemnation, it is about living righteous lives and Jesus tells the woman to go and sin no more.
Neither Do I Condemn You
John 8:1–11
Jesus is teaching in the temple courts as was his way. Then in John 8:2 “the Pharisees brought to him a woman caught in adultery”. As she stands in the midst of the crowd, in
John 8:4–5 (LEB) they said to him, testing him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery! 5 Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?”
First of all, they have misquoted the command which was, “‘If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife—with the wife of his neighbour—both the adulterer and the adulteress must be put to death’ (Lev. 20:10); ‘If a man is found sleeping with another man’s wife, both the man who slept with her and the woman must die’ (Deut. 22:22)”.1
And it was the eye witness that was to cast the first stone. But here we only have the woman and there is no mention of a witness. They were baiting Jesus to get a response they could use against him. Jesus might have responded, let the witness cast the first stone and he would have been just according to the law. And he might have responded asking them to bring also the man so an equitable punishment was delivered. But instead Jesus says in John 8:7 “The one of you without sin, let him throw the first stone at her!”. Jesus turns their judgement and condemnation of this woman into self examination they each walk away one by one.
I Am the Light of the World
John 8:12–20
Jesus tells them the truth, in John 8:12, he is “the light of the world” but they call him a liar. In John 8:13 they say, “You testify concerning yourself! Your testimony is not true”. And, according to their traditions, “The Pharisees challenged him, ‘Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.’ According to rabbinic teaching, testimony to oneself was not valid in law; only testimony by another could be accepted”.2 So, Jesus responds in
John 8:18 (LEB) I am the one who testifies concerning myself, and the Father who sent me testifies concerning me.
The father had spoken as Jesus was baptised by John, “This is my beloved son, Hear him”. And Jesus said, believe for the works.
Many Believed in Him
John 8:21–30
Jesus tries to tell them that he is going to die but they don’t understand. So he plainly says “I Am He” in
John 8:24 (LEB) Thus I said to you that you will die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I am he, you will die in your sins”.
And, “They knew well enough what He meant (Mk 13:6, Greek; compare Mt 24:5) … one is irresistibly reminded by such language … of those ancient declarations of the God of Israel, “I AM HE” (De 32:39; Is 43:10, 13; 46:4; 48:12). See on Jn 6:20.3
If You Continue in My Word
John 8:31–38
In John 8:31 Jesus says “if you continue in my word” and then in John 8:32 “the truth will set you free”. But they reacted saying “We are Abraham’s descendants and have not been enslaved”. But they are slaves to sin and don’t recognize it.
Abraham is Our Father
John 8:39–47
They continue to claim their bloodline to Abraham in John 8:39 but Jesus says, then “do the deeds of Abraham”. They don’t recognize that they have lost their connection with Abraham. As Jesus said in John 8:43 “you are not able to listen to my message”.
Before Abraham Was, I Am!
John 8:48–59
That the Works of God Could be Revealed
John 9:1–12
They Were Afraid of the Jews
John 9:13–23
Study Verses
- John 8:1–11 Neither Do I Condemn You
- John 8:12–20 I Am the Light of the World
- John 8:21–30 Many Believed in Him
Today’s Reading
- John 8:1-18
- John 9:1-34
The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ – The Gospels
This series follows the order of readings from the Tyndale One Year Chronological Bible. Covering these events chronologically as they happened, gives a much different context and helps us understand the move of God as He is introducing the Saviour, the Light of the world, Jesus Christ. This series begins with Return To Me And I Will Return To You at the end of Malachi and introduces the “Witnesses” writing the Gospels.
Operation Exodus
is helping Jewish people return to their homeland. You might fund one that desires to go home. http://operationexodususa.org/Overview
References
- 1. Kruse, C. G. (2003). John: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 4, p. 198). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
- 2. Kruse, C. G. (2003). John: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 4, pp. 201–202). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
- 3. Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 143). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.