John 7:53-8:11 – Sin and the Savior

Jon Beck

My sermon notes from Sunday, Oct. 1st as we continue our study through The Gospel of John. Remember, these are my study notes and not a manuscript of the sermon.  To see the sermon each week or subscribe to the weekly sermon podcast please visit http://www.fbcap.net

John 7:53- 8:1-11

Sin and the Savior

 

This section dealing with the adulteress most likely was not a part of the original contents of John. External manuscript evidence representing a great variety of textual traditions is decidedly against its inclusion, for the earliest and best manuscripts exclude it. Many manuscripts mark the passage to indicate doubt as to its inclusion. Significant early versions exclude it. No Greek church father comments on the passage until the twelfth century. The vocabulary and style of the section also are different from the rest of the Gospel, and the section interrupts the sequence of verse 52 with 8:12ff. Many, however, do think that it has all the earmarks of historical veracity, perhaps being a piece of oral tradition that circulated in parts of the Western church, so that a few comments are in order. In spite of all these considerations of the likely unreliability of this section, it is possible to be wrong on the issue; and, thus, it is good to consider the meaning of this passage and leave it in the text, just as with Mark 16:9–20. (John MacArthur, Commentary and Study Bible)

  • Nothing in this passage contradicts the rest of scripture
  • The truths taught are consistent with scripture

 

While the authenticity of the event may be in questions, I believe and trust in the providence of God and see great truths to be learned from the passage.  We can learn much about sin, our motives, and forgiveness.

 

 A Running Commentary of the Text

 

7:53-8:6a – The women caught in sin

 

[53] They went each to his own house, [1] but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. [2] Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. [3] The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst [4] they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. [5] Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” [6] This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him.

 

  • The religious leaders had much disdain for Christ and ultimately wanted to see Him killed…as harsh as this may seem…yet true (5:18)
  • The had developed a clever scheme to force Christ to basically seal his own fate.
    • Jewish law determined adultery was punishable by death. (Ex. 20:14, Lev 20:10)
    • Must be viewed by witnesses…. the act…not just an inappropriate situation.
    • Obviously, this was a set up. They somehow set this woman up, so that they could bring these charges.
    • Where is the man? Why just the woman?
    • Jesus would have to decide…. stick with the Law or go against the Law.
      • It he went against the law then they would say…SEE WE TOLD YOU.
      • It he went with the law, then he would be going against his previous teaching of providing living bread and living water


6b-9 – The deceit of their heart

Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. [7] And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” [8] And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. [9] But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him.

 

  • I think he bent down to get a eye to eye look at the women and to expose their sins.
  • What did he write…I think he could have wrote out their plan for all to see.
    • The name of the man the used to set her up? Their past sins?
  • I believe He stood back up to get an eye to eye look at the accusers.
  • As they began to leave… he made eye contact with her and continued to write.
  • THEY JOY OF WONDERING WHAT HE WROTE AT THIS POINT!!! POSSIBLY… THE PROMISES OF GOD’S WORD ABOUT THE COMING MESSIAH???

 

10-11 – The forgiveness of the Savior

[10] Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” [11] She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”]]

  • Because there were no accusers, then Jesus did not have to weigh in. It was the accuser’s responsibility.
  • Where are they? Who is here to condemn you?
  • NEITHER DO I!!!!!
  • 3:16-21 – Jesus did not come to condemn, but to save.
  • Go and sin no more.

 


What about us.  What can we learn from the text?  The what now.

God is a holy God and His judgement burns against sin. Sin is wrong and will always be wrong.  (The measuring rod is God’s holiness)

When dealing with personal and corporate sin… condemnation should not be our goal, but redemption.

Jesus knows our heart, thoughts, and motives. Therefore, our true heart, thoughts, and motives are always bare before Christ.

Jesus Christ is where justice and mercy meet. While just in His dealings He is full of compassion and Care…..Come to Him and receive forgiveness of sin… and go and sin no more.

 

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