I was asked to share some thoughts on the 8th chapter of John. I thought where to begin and found myself drawn to the story of the woman caught in adultery. This account shows mercy, forgiveness, and the spirit of Christ's teachings. It challenges our beliefs of judgment and grace. In reflecting upon this chapter, I had to consider my own actions and attitudes, and the ways in which I might show others the love and understanding that Jesus demonstrates in his life.
There are so many important passages that are so thought-provoking.
“Go and sin no more”
“I AM the light of the world, whoever follows me will never walk in darkness”
If you believe in my word, you will be my disciple, then you will know the truth,
And the Truth will set you free”
Whoever commits sin is the slave to sin
In the beginning of John 8 Jesus is coming to the temple to teach. Jesus is always dealing with the attitude of men and what’s right and wrong and scriptural. While he is teaching several scribes and Pharisees come to him with a woman. As usual, they are always trying to trap Jesus in a situation, such as this woman committing adultery. Between the Roman Law and the Jewish Law, they think they have him. If he goes with the Jewish Law of stoning for adultery, that would be against the Roman Law, which would bring on the wrath of the Roman government. Jesus is not going to fall into their trap. Instead he stoops down, possibly showing his humility or just calming the situation down. He begins writing or drawing we don’t know, he stands and asks the men, “He who is without sin, cast the first stone”. The men had at least enough conscience to know of their own sins and began to leave. He stoops to the ground again as the men continue leaving. He then gets up and asks the woman “Where are your accusers?”
She tells him they are all gone, He shows the woman mercy and hope and says, “Go and sin no more.” Don’t you think of the relief she felt. She probably had the worst day of her life filled with embarrassment, fear, and hopelessness, and here she received hope and freedom and a future through Christ. I truly believe she knew he was the Light, Jesus was the Christ.
Jesus continued to teach to the crowd. He Spoke “I AM the Light of the World, whoever follows me will never walk in darkness” and continues “If you believe in my world, you will be my disciple, then you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free. Whoever continues to commit sin will be a slave to sin.”
Jesus gives us light, intelligently, morally, and spiritually. He has done this through his works, his words and his person. What I believe by following Christ gives us fellowship with him as well as each other. We will love our brothers and sisters in Christ. We have the hope of Salvation. We know by following his steps we will have a clean conscience, he will always lead us, and we will be given the strength we need to continue in this life.
Praise the Lord, He is I AM, He is without sin, He is full of Love and Mercy.
I am so glad we have his word to show us the way to show mercy, not to be judgmental, and loving to all, to pray for all.
Just in this one chapter, Jesus has taught us so much, even more than I have mentioned.
He is the Great I AM.
Additional Daily Reading Resources:
Reading Along with the Gospel of John 8 on RightNow Media.
Cariol, thank you for such wonderful thoughts! It is truly a beautiful lesson for all our hearts on blame versus forgiveness!
There is so much to take from this chapter. I love knowing that whoever follows him will not walk in darkness. That he is with us always. And you nailed this Carol. So beautiful the grace and mercy Christ shows.
You are so right, Carol! This is such a full and beautiful chapter. Jesus shows grace and mercy to the woman and then, as the chapter goes on, he shows his amazing power and his Godness. Thank you for sharing!