What Old Testament laws connect to the situation in John 8:7? Setting the Scene in John 8:7 “ ‘Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her.’ ” (John 8:7) • A woman caught in adultery is dragged before Jesus. • The accusers appeal to Moses’ Law, hoping to trap Him. • Jesus responds with a phrase that points everyone back to the very Scriptures they claim to honor. Key Mosaic Commands on Adultery • Leviticus 20:10 — “If a man commits adultery with another man's wife … both the adulterer and the adulteress must surely be put to death.” • Deuteronomy 22:22 — “If a man is found lying with a married woman, then both the man who lay with her and the woman must die.” • Deuteronomy 22:23-24 — If the act happens in a city and the woman is betrothed, “you shall stone them … at the gate of that city.” Takeaways: – Capital punishment was prescribed. – Both guilty parties were to be present and sentenced together. – Stoning was the specified method in certain cases. Witness Requirements in Capital Cases • Deuteronomy 17:6-7 — “On the testimony of two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death … The hands of the witnesses are to be the first to put him to death.” • Deuteronomy 19:15 — “One witness is not enough to convict … A matter must be established by two or three witnesses.” Why this matters in John 8: – The accusers claim to have caught her “in the act” (John 8:4), so they should be the primary witnesses. – If they are genuine witnesses, they must cast the first stones, putting their own integrity on the line. Equal Justice and the Presence of Both Offenders • Deuteronomy 22:22 again stresses “both the man … and the woman.” • In John 8 only the woman is produced. The absence of the man exposes the selective, unjust application of the law. • Exodus 23:2-3, 7 — “Do not spread a false report … Do not put an innocent or honest person to death.” • Deuteronomy 16:19-20 — “Do not deny justice or show partiality.” Jesus’ challenge, “He who is without sin,” confronts: – Their failure to present both culprits. – Any false or partial testimony. – Personal sin that disqualifies them from righteous judgment. Why Jesus’ Words Mirror the Law • By forcing the self-declared witnesses to step forward first (Deuteronomy 17:7), He honors the Law’s procedure. • He affirms the Law’s demand for moral credibility in witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15). • He exposes their misuse of the Law for political gain rather than true justice (cf. Micah 6:8). Summary of Old Testament Links • Adultery = capital offense (Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22-24). • Both guilty parties must face judgment together (Deuteronomy 22:22). • At least two honest witnesses required (Deuteronomy 17:6-7; 19:15). • Witnesses must throw the first stones (Deuteronomy 17:7). • Justice must be impartial (Exodus 23:7; Deuteronomy 16:19-20). When Jesus says, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone,” He is not overturning the Law; He is applying it perfectly, compelling the accusers to meet its full requirements—requirements they themselves are unable or unwilling to satisfy. |
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