What is the meaning of John 8:5? In the Law Moses commanded us “These scribes and Pharisees,” the text says, “spoke to Him: ‘In the Law Moses commanded us …’” (John 8:5a). • They are citing God-given legislation from Deuteronomy 22:22 – 24 and Leviticus 20:10, where adultery was punishable by death. • The Law is accurate, authoritative, and unchanging (Psalm 19:7; Matthew 5:18). The crowd is correct that divine justice condemns adultery. • Yet they are using that Law not to honor the Lord but to trap Jesus (John 8:6). Their motive exposes hearts more interested in accusation than repentance—mirroring Isaiah 29:13, “This people draw near with their mouths but their hearts are far from Me.” to stone such a woman “…commanded us to stone such a woman …” (John 8:5b). • Stoning symbolized communal rejection of sin, reminding Israel that unchecked evil spreads (Deuteronomy 13:5). • Notice only the woman is brought, though the Law required the man as well (Deuteronomy 22:22). Selective enforcement betrays hypocrisy Jesus will soon reveal (Matthew 23:27). • Adultery devastates families and society; God’s severe penalty underscored covenant holiness (Proverbs 6:32-33). • The crowd’s harshness contrasts with the tenderness Jesus extends in Matthew 11:28, illustrating the balance of truth and grace that John 1:17 celebrates. So what do You say? “So what do You say?” (John 8:5c). • They think they have placed Him on the horns of a dilemma: – If He rejects stoning, they can accuse Him of denying the Law (cf. Matthew 15:2-3). – If He approves it, Rome alone reserves capital punishment (John 18:31), and His compassion for sinners (Luke 7:34) would seem compromised. • Jesus neither abolishes the Law nor ignores sin. By challenging, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone” (John 8:7), He exposes universal guilt (Romans 3:23) while maintaining the Law’s righteousness (Matthew 5:17). • One by one the accusers leave, conscience-stricken (John 8:9). Mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13) without excusing transgression; He tells her, “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11). summary John 8:5 highlights the Law’s holy standard and humanity’s tendency to weaponize it. Jesus affirms the Law’s truth, uncovers hidden hypocrisy, and extends restorative mercy. The verse invites us to hold God’s standards with reverence while reflecting Christ’s grace to sinners, remembering that only the sinless One had—and has—the right to condemn, yet He chose instead to save (John 3:17). |
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