John 8 - Jesus Forgives The Woman Caught in Adultery
Joh 8:1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. Jesus returns to His favorite place. (Probably for prayer).
Joh 8:2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. Back to the Temple in the morning to teach the people.
Joh 8:3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst. The Scribes (teachers of the religious law), and the Pharisees, brought a woman to the temple where Jesus was teaching and interrupted Him saying; this woman has been caught in the act of adultery, right in front of the crowd.
Joh 8:4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Caught in the very act of adultery according to them. (Wonder how they knew)? They got the woman, but where is the man? (Takes two to tango).
Joh 8:5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? The law of Moses says to stone her to death. They asked Jesus; What do you say?
Joh 8:6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. They were trying to trap Jesus into saying something they could use against Him. Here is the trap: If Jesus says she should be forgiven, then He is going against the law of Moses. If Jesus says she should be stoned, then He is going to look like a hypocrite. (Jesus knew what they were doing). So, Jesus stooped down and started to write in the ground with His finger. (Perhaps refreshing them on the law). Note: The temptation was in the word "such," and of the two cases they mentioned the punishment without defining what it was; for the one in (Deuteronomy 22:23-24) a virgin, the death was stoning. But in the case of a "wife," the punishment was not stoning, but required a special procedure (Numbers 5:11-31), which left the punishment with God.
Joh 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. They kept demanding an answer from Jesus so Jesus stood up and said; "Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone." (No stones being thrown here, they were all sinners).
Joh 8:8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. Then Jesus stooped down again and wrote in the dust again. (This time I believe that Jesus wrote some of their own sins in the ground to convict them). You know, something like what about when you slept with this man's wife, or maybe another man. (Again, they were all sinners).
Joh 8:9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. One by one the accusers were convicted by their own conscience and left, till the only ones remaining were Jesus and the accused woman in the middle of the crowd.
Joh 8:10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? Jesus stood up and asked the woman, "where are your accusers now?" Didn't even one of them condemn you?
Joh 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. No, Lord, the woman said, and Jesus said to her; "Neither do I. Go and sin no more."
Joh 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. Jesus speaking to the people. "I AM the light of the world. If you follow Me, you will not walk in darkness, because you will have the "Light" that leads to eternal life." We know that Christ is that "Light" just as He said, and we are to be a "light" to the world for others to see. (As examples of true Christianity). (Isaiah 60:1-3, Acts 13:47). Notice that Jesus uses the Greek equivalent of God's name, "I AM." (Yahveh). This is what God told Moses at the burning bush when Moses asked God's name. (Exodus 3:13-14). "I AM WHO I AM."
Joh 8:13 The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true. The Pharisees did not like what Jesus had just said. They think the claims about Himself are not valid.
Joh 8:14 Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. Jesus replies, "These claims are valid even though I make them about Myself. I know where I came from and where I am going, but you know nothing about Me."
Joh 8:15 Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. You judge Me by human standards, but I judge no man. (The Pharisees were living examples of man's flawed judgment). If we are not careful, we too can fall into the trap of classifying people (sizing them up), according to human fleshly standards. (Psalm 94:20-21, Amos 5:7, Habakkuk 1:4, Romans 2:1, James 2:4).
Joh 8:16 And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me. Christ is saying; If I judge, My judgment would be correct in every respect, because I am not alone. The Heavenly Father who sent Me is with Me. (Acts 17:31, Revelation 19:11).
Joh 8:17 It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. By your own law, two people must agree about something as witnesses before it is accepted as fact. (Deuteronomy 17:6, Deuteronomy 19:15).
Joh 8:18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me. Jesus has His witness, and it is the Heavenly Father who sent Him. (John 5:31-40, 1 John 5:6-12). God said with a voice from heaven that Jesus Christ was His only begotten Son, when Jesus was baptized and again when He was facing death as the Holy Spirit bear witness. Unity that bear witness in heaven. "The full God head." Remember that Christ is the Word. The Holy Spirit, the voice of God at the baptism of Christ, and the voice of God before He died bear witness on earth.
Joh 8:19 Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also. They wanted to know where His Father was. (What a bunch of dummies). They were in the presence of the "Only Begotten Son" and they did not get it. Jesus told them; "Since you don't know who I am, you don't know who My Father is. If you knew Me, you would also know My Father." It is written that if it was in their hearts, they would have known Him. (Jeremiah 24:7). "If Christ is not in your heart, you have nothing."
Joh 8:20 These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come. Jesus made this statement while He was teaching in the treasury located in the court of woman. (Both men and woman were allowed in this court, but not the Gentiles). "Only the holier than thou." We see a lot of this in churches today. Don't think that churches today do not cater to the wealthy and people with status. (If you are just a poor person off the street, you may be sitting in the back of the church).
Joh 8:21 Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come. Jesus said to them; "I am going away. You will search for Me but will die in your sin. You cannot come where I am going." (Matthew 25:41, Matthew 25:46). Christ was referring to those who were not believers. Where was Christ going? To heaven. Where are the non-believers going? To hell!
Joh 8:22 Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come. They think He is going to commit suicide because of His statement. They didn't get it.
Joh 8:23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. "You are from below; I am from above. You belong to this world; I do not." i.e. of the earth. (1 Corinthians 15:47-48).
Joh 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. What Christ is saying here is that unless you believe that I am the "Messiah," and the "I AM" (Yahveh), you will die in your sins.
Joh 8:25 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning. They demanded to know who He was. Jesus replies, "The One I have always claimed to be." He was the Messiah they were looking for, but they could not see it. (Like the blind leading the blind).
Joh 8:26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him. Christ knew all about them and had much to condemn but He didn't. "He said only what He knew from the One who sent Him, and it would be completely truthful."
Joh 8:27 They understood not that he spake to them of the Father. They still didn't understand that He was talking about His Father. (They were totally clueless because of no spiritual understanding). Look at all the people that are spiritually clueless today. People are hungry for the truth, but are so set in their old ways (traditions of men), that they can't see it.
Joh 8:28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. Jesus said, When you have "lifted up" the Son of Man (on the cross), then you will understand that "I AM" (referring to God with us). I do nothing on My own, but only say what the Father has taught Me. These words "lifted up" is "hupsoo" Strong's #G5312 meaning to "exalt" as well as elevate. (Speaking of praising Him). He would use these words in: (John 3:14, John 12:32). i.e. at the crucifixion and after the resurrection, many will finally realize who He really is: (Matthew 27:50-54, Romans 1:4).
Joh 8:29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. The Father never deserts the Son, when the Son pleases Him. (Isaiah 42:1, Isaiah 42:21, John 8:16, Matthew 3:17).
Joh 8:30 As he spake these words, many believed on him. Many believed on Him as He spoke these Words. However, the reality of salvation involves more than just saying some words. In order to believe and trust in someone, you must first get to know them. We must get to know Jesus through the Word and become followers of Jesus. Becoming His disciples and bringing others to the truth of the Word.
Joh 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; "There it is." You are a true disciple of Christ if you remain faithful to His teachings. (1 John 2:24). Let the Word dwell in you and you will be walking in the light and close fellowship with the Father and His Son.
Joh 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. The truth in the Word will always set you free. Free from what? Free from the old law, traditions of men, false teachings, and ways of the world. Most important, "Free from being a slave to Satan."
Joh 8:33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? "We are descendants of Abraham," they said. We have never been slaves to anyone. (They are thinking that Jesus is talking about being in bondage to a person). They must have forgotten about when they were slaves to Egypt, the Assyrian Empire, the Babylonian Empire, and at this point in Israel's history, they are currently under the rule of Rome. But, Jesus is talking about a different kind of slavery.
Joh 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. Jesus lets them in on the real deal here. "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin." So, if you keep on sinning, who are you a slave to? Satan! (Ephesians 2:2, 1 John 3:8-10). If you keep sinning in this manner, it shows that you belong to the devil. Satan is the head sinner right from the beginning, when he rebelled and went bad. But, the only begotten Son came to destroy the works of the devil and "death" who is the devil. (Hebrews 2:14).
Joh 8:35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. The Son (never used of believers in this Gospel), this word is reserved for Christ only. However, the meaning to us is that, as a slave, you are not a permanent member of the family, but the Son is part of the family forever. (Romans 8:15-17). When receiving the Holy Spirit, it is not a Spirit that makes you a fearful slave. Instead, you have received God's Spirit that has adopted you as His own child. "Now we can call Him our Spiritual Father." (John 3:6, 20:17). God's Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are His children. (1 John 4:13). God gave us the gift of the "Holy Spirit" to dwell in our hearts to show us that He will live in us, and us in Him. As God's children together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. However, if we share in the glory, we must also share in the suffering. (Philippians 1:29, 2 Timothy 2:10-14).
Joh 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. If the Son sets you free, then you are truly free. (Romans 8:2). Because we believe in Christ and walk after the Spirit we belong to Christ. Because we belong to Christ, the Spiritual law of life has freed us from the power of sin that leads to death. (2 Corinthians 3:17, Galatians 5:1). Christ has made us free. (John 8:32). Make sure you stay free and don't get all tied up in the chains of slavery to the Jewish laws and ceremonies. (Acts 15:10). Don't get tied up under bondage to any religion, organization, or traditions of men.
Joh 8:37 I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. Jesus knew that they were descendants of Abraham, but they were trying to kill Him. Jesus also knew that their was no room in their heart for His message. i.e. there hearts were hardened. (Matthew 13:15). "Waxed over." Their eyes are closed because they did not care. Just as many do not care today. They have time for everything the world has to offer, but little time to study and search for truth in God's Word.
Joh 8:38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. Jesus was speaking of what He had seen from His Father. They were following the advice of their father. But, who was their father that Jesus was talking about? Was it Abraham? Hmmm. Lets read on and find out.
Joh 8:39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. Our father is Abraham they declared. But, Jesus says "No," if you were really children of Abraham, you would follow his example. (Galatians 3:7, Galatians 3:29, James 2:22-24).
Joh 8:40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. You are trying to kill Me because I tell you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham would have never tried to kill someone who told the truth.
Joh 8:41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. Jesus is telling them another truth. "You are like your real father." They said that God is their real Father, but it wasn't true.
Joh 8:42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. Jesus tells them, If God were your Father, you would love Me, because I am from God. "The One who sent Me."
Joh 8:43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. Why can't you understand what I am saying Jesus asked? It's because you can't hear Me! (1 Corinthians 2:14). The flesh man can’t receive these truths. It all sounds foolish and confusing to them. Only those who are spiritual can understand.
Joh 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. Now Christ tells them another truth. "You are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. He is the father of lies." Wow, what a statement. Lets analyze this for a minute. Who was the first murderer? It was Cain. He was from the seed of Satan all the way back to the garden and Adam and Eve. For a better understanding, read our newsletter study topic titled "Son of Cain." You will find that there are children of the devil. The Kenites! This is who Christ was addressing when He made this statement. They were with us from the beginning and they are still with us today. (Genesis 3:15, Matthew 13:38, Acts 13:10, 1 John 3:12). Again, we are not to be as Cain, who was of the wicked one. Cain was the first murderer and was of the seed of Satan from which the kenites came. Christ taught this in the book of Matthew, after the parable of the sower. That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world. Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. (Matthew 13:35-39). Paul also taught that Eve was beguiled "wholly seduced." (2 Corinthians 11:1-3). Just as in (Genesis 3:15-16).
Joh 8:45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. Christ is saying here that when He tells them a truth, it is their nature not to believe Him because they are children of the devil, and that is the devils nature. (The father of lies). The great deceiver of today. (2 Thessalonians 2:10, 2 Timothy 4:3-4). He will completely fool those who refused the truth of the Word that they might be saved. Those who follow Satan will perish. "Once saved always saved? I don't think so." The time is here now when people won't listen to sound doctrine. (They follow teachers that teach traditions on men and feed them whatever they want to hear to make them feel comfortable).
Joh 8:46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? Christ is asking, which of you can truthfully accuse Me of sin? None of them could. Christ was telling them the truth, but ask them, why don't you believe Me? Christ knew why, but I think He wanted them to admit it. Of course they are liars, so they would not admit it even if they did understand what Jesus was saying. So, He is going to give it to them straight in the next verse.
Joh 8:47 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. "Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don't listen because you do not belong to God." (1 John 3:10, 1 John 5:1, 2 John 1:9, 3 John 1:11). They did not belong to God; they belonged to their father the devil.
Joh 8:48 Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? These particular Jews (probably some who were kenites), called Jesus a Samaritan devil. (Remember that the Samaritans were "half-breeds," not pure Jews, and the Jews hated the Samaritans). They even asked Jesus if He was possessed by a demon? (Thinking He was out of His mind). They were the ones possessed and led by the worst demon of all. Satan!
Joh 8:49 Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me. Jesus answered them and said; "I have no demon in Me. I honor My Father and you dishonor Me."
Joh 8:50 And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth. Jesus is saying here, "I have no wish to glorify Myself, God is going to glorify Me. He is the true judge." (Always remember that before you judge others, God is the one to do the judging).
Joh 8:51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. i.e. Anyone who obeys the teachings of Christ will never die, but have eternal life. Remember what Christ said in (John 3:16). For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. This verse needs no interpretation. No doubt, one of the most important scriptures written in the bible. However, the key here is "believe in Him." To Me, you must get to know someone before you can believe in them. You get to know Christ through the Word. "His written personality if you will." Again, declared by the Lord in (John 11:25).
Joh 8:52 Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. Now the people said, "We know You are possessed by a demon. Abraham and the prophets died, but you say anyone who obeys My teachings will never die."
Joh 8:53 Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? Are you greater than our father Abraham they asked Jesus? He died and so did the prophets. "Who do you think you are?"
Joh 8:54 Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: Jesus answered them saying; "If I want glory for Myself, it doesn't count. But, it is My Father who will glorify Me, and you say He is your God."
Joh 8:55 Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. But you don't even know Him Jesus is saying. I know Him. If I said otherwise, I would be a bigger liar than you are. But I know Him and obey Him. (Matthew 11:27, Luke 10:22). Jesus was telling us that the Heavenly Father has entrusted everything to Him. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son, and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him. (It could have been that they were not chosen to know Him)?
Joh 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Abraham knew that one day God would send the Messiah. How? In the promise: (Genesis 12:3, Galatians 3:7-9). The blessing for the world would be fulfilled in Jesus. Abraham even met Jesus (as Melchisedec), when Abraham was returning from the slaughter of the kings. (Hebrews 7:1-3). Jesus Christ is our "King of Justice" and "King of Peace." (Isaiah 9:7-7, Jeremiah 23:5-6). All who trust in Christ receive the same blessing that Abraham did.
Joh 8:57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? The people said to Jesus, "You aren't even fifty years old. How can You say You have seen Abraham?" (Wow, were these peoples minds clouded). But that's not all, Jesus was only around thirty years old at this time, so why did they pick out the number fifty? To the Jews, the age "50" was when a man was fit to give advice and counsel. What they are saying here is that Jesus was not old enough to be "wise."
Joh 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Jesus answered them saying, "I tell you a truth, before Abraham was even born, I AM!" (Colossians 1:17). He was before anything else; and by Him all things are held together. "I AM WHO I AM." (Exodus 3:14, Isaiah 44:6, Isaiah 46:9, Isaiah 48:12, Revelation 1:8). From A-Z, the Alpha and Omega; the beginning and the end. (Jesus Christ becomes the full God Head).
Joh 8:59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by. At this point they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and left the temple. Devine intervention! (Luke 4:30). Jesus just walked away and left them. A good lesson for us as disciples and teachers. You see, many times you will not be accepted in your own town. They didn't accept Jesus for telling them the truth, so why should they accept you?
Keep the faith,
Barton