John 8, Part 1

Scripture: John 7:53 - 8:11

Observation: Jesus has arrived early at the temple to teach. The Pharisees and scribes come in with a woman, presumably caught in adultery. Their cruelty is obvious - they accuse her and condemn her to death per the law, though the law states that both the man and the woman are to be stoned (Leviticus 20:10). It is clear that their objective is not one of justice but of trapping Jesus (v.6). If Jesus is too lenient, the Pharisees will use this to show Jesus as not respecting the law of Moses. If He is too harsh and the woman is stoned, the Roman government will hold Him accountable.

Jesus' response shows His great wisdom and knowledge of Scripture. He begins by writing in the dust (v.6). This is better understood when we read Jeremiah 17:13 - "O LORD, the hope of Israel, all who forsake you will be put to shame. Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust because they have forsaken the LORD, the spring of living water." By writing in the dust, Jesus, the spring of living water, is condemning them just as they have condemned the woman. When the accusations continue, Jesus calls for the one without sin to cast the first stone (v.7). The elders were the first to leave, probably because the others turned to them to see what they would do, and none wanted to throw a stone after Jesus named the condition. By doing so they condemned themselves, since they were admitting themselves to be sinners. Jesus then turns to the woman. Rather than ask about the accusation, He asks about her accusers. Since they've all left, Jesus does not condemn her, but instead tells her to go and sin no more.

Application: How eloquently we see John 3:17 portrayed in this story: "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him." Jesus, the only sinless one there, could have rightfully thrown the first stone, yet He chose to forgive the woman and give her a second chance. Am I so generous to those who have done wrong? Do I forgive and allow God to work in the lives of those He Himself has forgiven? Or do I choose to condemn, forgetting all Jesus has forgiven me? If I expect to be forgiven but am unable to forgive, I am a selfish person indeed.

Prayer: Father, how quick we are to judge the sins of others as worse than our own! Yet sin is sin, and all sin is detestable to You. You sent Jesus as restitution for all; who am I to decide the ones worthy? I myself am unworthy of forgiveness, yet You forgave me. Help me to show the same mercy to others which You so lovingly have bestowed upon me. For it is in Jesus' name I pray, Amen.