It is a very human characteristic to see what we want to see and hear what we want to hear. Just Look at the contrasting, even contradictory interpretations of yesterdays election results. But here is a case with Jesus where it happens. Some believe saying “how could anyone do more miraculous signs that this man”, while others seeing and hearing the same things say “We know this guy and where he is from, there is nothing mysterious about him.” Is it any wonder Jesus says “you will look for me and not find me.” After all, how could those who cannot see who He is in the earthly, ever hope to understand Him in the heavenly? It is interesting again that these “Blind Guides” are using the law to condemn others but are ignorant of their own disobedience as mentioned by Nicodemus.
That theme continues in Chapter with the woman caught in adultery.
One thing that needs to be mentioned about the passage in Chapter 8 containing the story of the woman caught in adultery is that this passage does not appear in most of the early manuscripts of John.
That said, it is still likely a true story and does fit with the Character of Jesus.
One of the issues that comes about with this story as with many others in the bible is that it has so many layers and lessons that we can get very wrapped up in small detailed meanings and miss the overarching themes and points. Each of these smaller lessons is important, but we need to be careful and not look at this story with our blinders on but rather always search for the greater meaning and make sure the smaller lessons fit within that overall meaning. The risk as with much of the bible is that the tint on our own glasses will influence our understanding, just it did the leaders of the day in missing Jesus as the Christ. This can lead us to something called proof texting where we attempted to be proved our beliefs using the text without keeping the whole text in context. Some would say that Jesus doesn’t condemn her sin and use that as a context for allowing other sin. Others would use this text primarily to condemn the men in the crowd as this woman must have been committing adultery with someone if the accusation was true; and while this is surely warranted and important to understanding the lesson, it is only part of the lesson. Others spend endless hours in conjecture about what Jesus was writing on the ground; was it the name of the man she was with, was it one of the laws pertaining to how the people should respond in this situation?
This passage is surrounded by Jesus’ claims of who He is and what He has come to do. And in the passage remember that Jesus is in the Temple complex, He is on the Temple Mount which is within the city walls. The people come wanting Jesus to uphold the law that allows them to stone this woman, yet they are guilty of breaking the very law in desiring to stone her within the city gates and in desiring to stone only her as the law requires the stoning of both guilty parties. Jesus is calling out the hypocrisy we all share in desiring to condemn others while avoiding looking at ourselves. And He once again is offering a lesson on grace. While He does not condemn the woman to her sin, He does offer her a chance at a new life without sin. Jesus offers her forgiveness of sin rather than demanding payment for sin.
Remember also that the teachers of the law (those that should know it the best) are trying to trap Jesus. They are obviously not understanding the teaching He is bringing to them about who He is or they would understand that they are trying to trap God so they can accuse Him. How often do we do that? How often do we attempt to trap God into some answer so we can use it to our own advantage?
I could go on for many pages about the lessons in this passage as there are so many layers and lessons in this story, but what did God teach you as you read this story?
I notice three places that “a division rose up because of Him”. John 7:48, John 9:16, and John 10:19. Just as they had a decision to make so do we. The decision like theirs had to do with their bondage to sin, Our decision has everything to do with our eternity.
Is there a comparison to the divisions that rise up over moral issues today. Today some of those caught in sin today are thrown down to be judged, to test the Lord Jesus, the Righteous Judge. Doesn’t He still bring mercy and release from sin slavery. Do we accept Him as our master as He purchases our release from self imposed subjection to the Law. Is the division we see today because of Him? The OT admonishment to not call evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Prov 17:15; Amos 5:7) is again at issue with this text.
I notice the distinction Jesus makes between the slave of sin verse 34-35 who does not remain in the house and the Son that can set a slave free. There are two houses. Jesus the, Son of Heaven can set a slave of that kingdom free. Our choice this day is who will we serve? The heavenly Kingdom of Jesus present with them is present today.
Matthew Henry Commentary say’s:
Verses 30–36
Such power attended our Lord’s words, that many were convinced, and professed to believe in him. He encouraged them to attend his teaching, rely on his promises, and obey his commands, notwithstanding all temptations to evil. Thus doing, they would be his disciples truly; and by the teaching of his word and Spirit, they would learn where their hope and strength lay. Christ spoke of spiritual liberty; but carnal hearts feel no other grievances than those that molest the body, and distress their worldly affairs. Talk to them of their liberty and property, tell them of waste committed upon their lands, or damage done to their houses, and they understand you very well; but speak of the bondage of sin, captivity to Satan, and liberty by Christ; tell of wrong done to their precious souls, and the hazard of their eternal welfare, then you bring strange things to their ears. Jesus plainly reminded them, that the man who practiced any sin, was, in fact, a slave to that sin, which was the case with most of them. Christ in the gospel offers us freedom, he has power to do this, and those whom Christ makes free are really so. But often we see persons disputing about liberty of every kind, while they are slaves to some sinful lust.
Verses 37–40
Our Lord opposed the proud and vain confidence of these Jews, showing that their descent from Abraham could not profit those of a contrary spirit to him. Where the word of God has no place, no good is to be expected; room is left there for all wickedness. A sick person who turns from his physician, and will take neither remedies nor food, is past hope of recovery. The truth both heals and nourishes the hearts of those who receive it. The truth taught by philosophers has not this power and effect, but only the truth of God. Those who claim the privileges of Abraham, must do Abraham’s works; must be strangers and sojourners in this world; keep up the worship of God in their families, and always walk before God.
Verses 41–47
Satan prompts men to excesses by which they murder themselves and others, while what he puts into the mind tends to ruin men’s souls. He is the great promoter of falsehood of every kind. He is a liar, all his temptations are carried on by his calling evil good, and good evil, and promising freedom in sin. He is the author of all lies; whom liars resemble and obey, with whom all liars shall have their portion for ever. The special lusts of the devil are spiritual wickedness, the lusts of the mind, and corrupt reasonings, pride and envy, wrath and malice, enmity to good, and enticing others to evil. By the truth, here understand the revealed will of God as to the salvation of men by Jesus Christ, the truth Christ was now preaching, and which … (some) opposed.
Henry, Matthew, Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Bible, (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.) 1997.
Bill, thanks for some great thoughts. Welcome!