John Chapter 8

The woman caught in Adultery:
(Read John 8:1-11)
The eighth chapter begins with the story of the woman caught in the act of adultery. The Pharisees brought a woman caught in the act of adultery before Christ to trap him. This was their brilliant plan to turn the people against him.  They said according to the Law of Moses, adultery was punishable by death. So, what do you say?  If Jesus let her go, He is guilty of breaking the law. If He passes judgment on her, they could blame Him for breaking the Roman law. Jesus challenged their conscience by saying "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her" (John 8:7). Then Jesus bent down and wrote on the ground. Maybe Jesus was writing the Ten Commandments or the sins of those who brought the woman before Him. When the accusers heard this, they all dropped their stones and walked away out of conviction of their own sin.  That is what the Law does.  It accuses us of sin in our conscience. The woman was left alone before Jesus.  He did not condemn her. In mercy and love Jesus forgave her and said, "Go and sin no more". After Jesus has shown such mercy, how could one ever go back to sin?  Only Christ can forgive sin because He is God. In Christ, our sins are washed away. When we are truly repentant and trust in Jesus, our sins are completely forgiven, and hearts are purified. Jesus can save anyone, anytime, anywhere. 
 
Jesus is the Light of the World:
(Read John 8:12-30)
Following the incident of the adulterous woman, Christ made his second claim "I am the light of the world". At the Feast of Tabernacle four golden lamps were lit in the temple court. During this celebration Jesus made this statement, “I am the light of the world whoever follows me will not live in sin but have the light of life” (John 8:12). Light is an Old Testament symbol of life. It was the first thing God created (Genesis 1:3).  Israel was led by the pillar of cloud and the pillar of light in their wilderness journey.  King David sang that "The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear (Psalms 27:1). God himself would be our light in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 22:5).  Jesus is the light promised in the Old Testament. Sin always brings condemnation. Jesus did not come to judge but to save the world (John 17-18). We often focus on other's sins rather than our own sins. Sins can eat away our conscience. There is forgiveness with Christ for those who come to Him.  When we turn to Jesus the source of truth, we find no condemnation but grace and forgiveness. Religious leaders questioned Christ and refused to believe His claim. No one can question the validity of Jesus' claims because of the witness of the Father. His resurrection and ascension prove that Jesus is the Son of God (Romans 1:3). The Word of God testifies of Him (John 5:37-39). His transforming power of life is another evidence of His deity. Pharisees missed their last chance to turn to Jesus as their Messiah (John 8:21, 22). Refusing to believe in Christ is an unpardonable sin. Those who believe Jesus as Lord and Savior will be saved. They will see the light of the glorious gospel of Jesus and follow Him. 

Jesus gives freedom from sin:
(Read John 8:31-38)
People believe in Jesus for various reasons. Jesus said, "If you abide in my Word, you are truly my disciples. You will know the truth and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31, 32). Our family heritage and religious background are no guarantee of our salvation.  Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life" (John 14:6). The test of true faith is our abiding in the Word. Abide simple means to obey His Word. The closer we live in obedience to His Word; the more we experience God’s presence in life.  Jews claim they are the descendants of Abraham.  By not obeying Christ they proved that they are not Abraham's sons.  If they serve God, they will accept Jesus Christ as their Messiah. True freedom requires a right relationship with God.  Jesus came to proclaim the good news and set the captives free (Luke 4:16-21). He came to bring truth to the world (John 18:37). Truth is the reality of God revealed through the scripture and through the person of Christ. Jesus is the embodiment of truth and grace (John 1:14). Apart from Christ there is no spiritual freedom. He who practices sin is in the bondage of sin. Jesus said, "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (8:36).  Family heritage will not free us from bondage of sin. Jews claimed that Abraham was their Father.  Jesus said, "Abraham believed God but Jews sought to kill Jesus. The Devil is a murderer from the beginning. He is a liar and the father of all lies".  None can claim God as their Father who would not receive his Son as their Savior. Jesus Challenged the Jews “Which one of you will convict me of sin"? None could bring any accusation against Jesus. Jesus provides the ultimate freedom from the bondage of sin. What a great Savior!
 
Before Abraham was, I AM:
(Read John 8:39-59) 
Jews claimed that Abraham is their Father but they did not believe Jesus.  If Abraham was their father, they would have listened Jesus because He came from God. But they did not listen to Jesus because of their pride and stubbornness.  They had the moral law but made it ineffective through their unbelief and tradition. Though Jesus was less than fifty years old, he claims to have lived before the time of Abraham (John 8:57-58). Jesus was from eternity and is the great I AM.  Of all great claims of Jesus none is greater than this claim. Jesus was without sin and lived a perfect life.  He is the same yesterday, today and forever.  He is eternally "I AM" (Exodus 3:14). Also Jesus Said, Abraham rejoiced to see His day. Abraham saw in faith Jesus, in the birth of Isaac (Genesis 12:3). He saw the promise afar off (Hebrews 11:13). Jesus claimed his divinity is an unmistakable term here. He later said that "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father" (14:9). So Jewish leaders pick up stones to stone at him. They accused Jesus of being a demon possessed Samaritan. But none of His accusers could find any fault with Him.  They did not realize that they are sinners and under the wrath of God.  Wrath against evil is evidence of God's holiness and goodness.  Jesus hid himself from them and went out of the temple.  There is no clearer revelation of God than Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:3; John 1:1,14,18).  The religious leaders sought honor and the praise of men.  Christians should seek the praise that comes from God. Following Christ is more than saying a prayer to receive Christ or an emotional experience but living a life of faith in Jesus.  Do you know this Savior who loved you and gave Himself for you?  Jesus is the light of the world.  Pray for those who are enslaved by sin that they may be saved. Ask God to give them freedom from sin. To know God there is no clearer revelation than Jesus Christ.