The Woman Caught in Adultery

1But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.

2Early in the morning He went back into the temple courts.a All the people came to Him, and He sat down to teach them. 3The scribes and Pharisees, however, brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before them 4and said, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such a woman. So what do You say?”

6They said this to test Him, in order to have a basis for accusing Him. But Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with His finger.

7When they continued to question Him, He straightened up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her.” 8And again He bent down and wrote on the ground.

9When they heard this,b they began to go away one by one, beginning with the older ones, until only Jesus was left, with the woman standing there. 10Then Jesus straightened upc and asked her, “Woman, where are your accusers?d Has no one condemned you?”

11“No one, Lord,” she answered.

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Now go and sin no more.”

Jesus the Light of the World
(1 John 1:5–10)

12Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”

13So the Pharisees said to Him, “You are testifying about Yourself; Your testimony is not valid.”

14Jesus replied, “Even if I testify about Myself, My testimony is valid, because I know where I came from and where I am going. But you do not know where I came from or where I am going. 15You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. 16But even if I do judge, My judgment is true, because I am not alone; I am with the Father who sent Me.e 17Even in your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid.f 18I am One who testifies about Myself, and the Father, who sent Me, also testifies about Me.”

19“Where is Your Father?” they asked Him.

“You do not know Me or My Father,” Jesus answered. “If you knew Me, you would know My Father as well.”

20He spoke these words while teaching in the temple courts, near the treasury. Yet no one seized Him, because His hour had not yet come.

21Again He said to them, “I am going away, and you will look for Me, but you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.”

22So the Jews began to ask, “Will He kill Himself, since He says, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come’?”

23Then He told them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24That is why I told you that you would die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”

25“Who are You?” they asked.

“Just what I have been telling you from the beginning,” Jesus replied. 26“I have much to say about you and much to judge. But the One who sent Me is truthful, and what I have heard from Him, I tell the world.”

27They did not understand that He was telling them about the Father. 28So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing on My own, but speak exactly what the Father has taught Me. 29He who sent Me is with Me. He has not left Me alone, because I always do what pleases Him.”

The Truth Will Set You Free
(2 John 1:4–6)

30As Jesus spoke these things, many believed in Him. 31So He said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

33“We are Abraham’s descendants,” they answered. “We have never been slaves to anyone. How can You say we will be set free?”

34Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35A slave does not remain in the house forever, but a son remains forever. 36So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

37I know you are Abraham’s descendants, but you are trying to kill Me because My word has no place within you. 38I speak of what I have seen in the presence of the Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.”

39“Abraham is our father,” they replied.

“If you were children of Abraham,” said Jesus, “you would do the works of Abraham. 40But now you are trying to kill Me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham never did such a thing. 41You are doing the works of your father.”

“We are not illegitimate children,” they declared. “Our only Father is God Himself.”

42Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on My own, but He sent Me.

43Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you are unable to accept My message. 44You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies. 45But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me!

46Which of you can prove Me guilty of sin? If I speak the truth, why do you not believe Me? 47Whoever belongs to God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”

Before Abraham Was Born, I Am

48The Jews answered Him, “Are we not right to say that You are a Samaritan and You have a demon?”

49“I do not have a demon,” Jesus replied, “but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. 50I do not seek My own glory. There is One who seeks it, and He is the Judge. 51Truly, truly, I tell you, if anyone keeps My word, he will never see death.”

52“Now we know that You have a demon!” declared the Jews. “Abraham died, and so did the prophets, yet You say that anyone who keeps Your word will never taste death. 53Are You greater than our father Abraham? He died, as did the prophets. Who do You claim to be?”

54Jesus answered, “If I glorify Myself, My glory means nothing. The One who glorifies Me is My Father, of whom you say, ‘He is ourg God.’ 55You do not know Him, but I know Him. If I said I did not know Him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know Him, and I keep His word. 56Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see My day. He saw it and was glad.”

57Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and You have seen Abraham?”

58“Truly, truly, I tell you,” Jesus declared, “before Abraham was born, I am!h”

59At this, they picked up stones to throw at Him. But Jesus was hidden and went out of the temple area.i

1. The Power of Mercy Over Judgment
In John 8, we witness a profound moment where Jesus demonstrates mercy over judgment. When the Pharisees bring a woman caught in adultery before Him, seeking to trap Him, Jesus responds with wisdom and compassion. He says, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her” (John 8:7). This teaches us the importance of mercy and self-reflection before passing judgment on others. It’s a reminder that we all fall short and need grace.

2. Jesus, the Light of the World
Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). This powerful statement invites us to follow Him and live in His light, which brings clarity, truth, and guidance. In a world often filled with confusion and darkness, Jesus offers a path illuminated by His presence and truth.

3. The Freedom Found in Truth
In this chapter, Jesus emphasizes the liberating power of truth. He says, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). This freedom is not just from sin but also from the bondage of lies and deception. Embracing the truth of Christ leads to a life of genuine freedom and peace.

4. The Importance of Spiritual Heritage
Jesus engages in a dialogue about spiritual heritage, highlighting that true children of Abraham are those who do the works of Abraham. He says, “If you were children of Abraham, you would do the works of Abraham” (John 8:39). This lesson reminds us that our spiritual lineage is defined by our faith and actions, not merely by our ancestry or traditions.

5. The Reality of Spiritual Blindness
In John 8, Jesus addresses the spiritual blindness of the Pharisees, who fail to recognize Him as the Messiah. He warns, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I have come here from God” (John 8:42). This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of spiritual blindness and the importance of having a heart open to God’s truth.

6. The Assurance of Eternal Life
Jesus offers a profound promise of eternal life to those who keep His word: “Truly, truly, I tell you, if anyone keeps My word, he will never see death” (John 8:51). This assurance is a cornerstone of Christian faith, providing hope and confidence in the promise of life beyond this world.

7. The Identity of Jesus as the Great “I Am”
In a climactic moment, Jesus declares, “Before Abraham was born, I am!” (John 8:58). This statement affirms His divinity and eternal existence, echoing God’s self-identification in the Old Testament. Recognizing Jesus as the eternal “I Am” is central to understanding His divine nature and authority.

8. The Call to Live Without Sin
After showing mercy to the woman caught in adultery, Jesus instructs her, “Go now and sin no more” (John 8:11). This call to repentance and transformation is a reminder that while we receive grace, we are also called to pursue a life of holiness and righteousness.

9. The Challenge of Unbelief
Throughout John 8, Jesus confronts the unbelief of the religious leaders. He points out, “You do not believe because you are not My sheep” (John 8:26). This highlights the challenge of unbelief and the necessity of faith to truly understand and follow Jesus.

10. The Promise of Divine Protection
Jesus assures His followers of divine protection, saying, “No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand” (John 8:29). This promise offers comfort and security, knowing that our salvation and relationship with God are safeguarded by His mighty hand. It’s a powerful reminder of God’s unwavering commitment to His people.

Guidance in the Light
Ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance to walk in the light of Christ daily.

Commitment to the Word
Pray for a deeper hunger and commitment to studying and living out God's Word.

Recognition of Jesus' Divinity
Worship and acknowledge Jesus as the eternal and divine Son of God, seeking to honor Him in all aspects of life.

2. John 8:3–5: Is there historical or legal evidence that supports the described procedure for dealing with adultery under Jewish law?

3. John 8:6–7: Why is there no historical or archaeological record of Jesus writing on the ground, given its significance to this event?

4. John 8:14–18: How do Jesus’s statements about His testimony reconcile with other biblical passages that require two or more witnesses?

5. John 8:58: How can Jesus claim “I AM” in a way that matches God’s name in Exodus, without contradicting monotheism?

1. Reflect on the story of the adulterous woman. How does this scene inform your understanding of Jesus' approach to sin and judgment?

2. How do you interpret Jesus' statement, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her" in the context of our modern world?

3. In what ways can Jesus' declaration as the "Light of the World" inspire you in your daily life?

4. How can the Jews' misunderstanding of Jesus' teachings on His origin and destiny be seen in today's world?

5. What does Jesus' statement "the truth will set you free" mean to you personally?

6. How does Jesus differentiate between physical and spiritual bondage in His dialogue with the Jews? How can this understanding influence your perspective on freedom?

7. In the debate about spiritual ancestry, Jesus says, "If you were Abraham's children, then you would do what Abraham did." How can this be applied in your personal spiritual journey?

8. How does Jesus confront the accusations of being demon-possessed? What can we learn from His reactions to false accusations?

9. What is the significance of Jesus using the term "I AM" when He refers to Himself?

10. What does Jesus’ claim to predate Abraham tell us about His identity?

11. Jesus endured strong rejection and hatred. How can His resilience inspire you when facing opposition in your own life?

12. What does it mean to truly be a disciple of Jesus according to John 8:31-32?

13. How does Jesus establish His authority in the face of the Pharisees’ doubts?

14. What lessons can you draw from the Pharisees' refusal to recognize Jesus as the Messiah?

15. How does the theme of forgiveness resonate throughout the chapter?

16. How does this chapter illuminate the difference between earthly and heavenly perspectives?

17. In what ways does Jesus challenge religious hypocrisy in this chapter?

18. How can the dialogue between Jesus and the Jews inform your understanding of truth and deception in a spiritual context?

19. How does Jesus' escape from stoning demonstrate divine protection and His control over His destiny?

20. Reflect on the entire chapter. What is one significant lesson that you can apply to your life today?