John 8
The Woman Caught in Adultery
Read John 8:1–11. Jesus gave a good rule about condemning others. He said to the accusers of a woman caught in adultery, “‘If any one of you is
without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her’” (John 8:7). Having no answer for Jesus, the woman’s accusers left ashamed and defeated.
Jesus was the only one there who had not sinned. And rather than condemning the woman, He saved her life and forgave her sins. He told her to go and not sin again. Jesus makes it possible to resist sin through His Word and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus, the Light of the World
Read John 8:12–20. Jesus then told the people that He is the light of the world. The Bible often speaks of the things of sin as darkness. Jesus, like a bright light, shows us our sins and the path out of sin. He also shows the way to heaven. We cannot be with Him in His glory unless our sins are forgiven. That forgiveness opens the door for us to enjoy new life by the principles of God’s Word.
You Cannot Go Where I Am Going
Read John 8:21–30. Again Jesus talked about His death as going where they could not follow Him. He had come from heaven and was going back to heaven. But first the Son of Man must be lifted up on a Cross to die for the sins of the world. His death would open the door to faith in Him and eternal salvation for every person in the world—then and in the future. It is on Jesus’ death and resurrection that we base our belief that He is our Savior and the Savior of the entire world.
Freedom and Slavery
Read John 8:31–47. Sin, whatever the source, is a force with evident consequences. At times the consequences are moral, financial, physical, or relational (spouse or family). During Jesus’ ministry, He forgave people their sins, giving them hope and a new tomorrow. He wants to do the same today with everyone who believes in Him as Lord and Savior. The results: sin’s power is broken and hearts are cleansed, being renewed by His Presence. Jesus said, If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. . . . If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:31–32, 36)
Jesus and Abraham
Read John 8:48–59. Jesus’ declaration caused perplexity on the listeners: “‘If anyone keeps my word, he will never see death’” (v. 51). The declaration intended to proclaim His divinity and that spiritual freedom and salvation are found in His name. The crowd heard His words not in the divine context but rather in the natural context. Anger and doubt were the results. Jesus had to declare some strong realities (vv. 54–55) seeking their contrition and repentance.
When the Jews again spoke of Abraham, Jesus told them that Abraham was glad to see Jesus’ day. He said also, “‘Before Abraham was born, “I am!”’” (v. 58). When He used the words “‘I am’” in the present tense, He used the same words that God used in Exodus 3:14.
God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
This made some of the leaders so angry that they tried to stone Jesus. But Jesus left the temple in safety because it was not God’s time for Him to die. It is true He came to die for our sins, but not before God’s appointed time.