John 8: 1-20

In the first episode in today’s passage the religious leaders manufacture an incident in an attempt to paint Jesus into a corner. Would Jesus condone sin and thus prove he is not the Messiah or would he side with law and risk being alienating from the masses. Jesus chose neither option. Instead he demonstrated that as the Messiah he did in fact have the wisdom of a true King. (Like that of King Solomon when he famously settled the issue between two women of who was the true mother of the child. 1Kings 3: 16-28)

When Jesus told the woman he did not condemn her he was saying he forgave her. He was not saying her sin did not matter. He was saying his grace was greater than her sin. To receive his grace and to live in his grace meant that she would go forth with an ambition to sin no more.

Jesus then makes his second ‘I am’ statement: “I am the light of the world.” Jesus says he does not judge anyone. He doesn’t have to because the light is its own judge. Jesus, as the light of the world, brings God’s holy presence into the world. God’s presence is the very essence of holiness, goodness, mercy, love and grace. Light overcomes darkness by exposing the darkness. Inherent within the light is judgment because the light exposes sin.

Today’s passage reveals two truths important to our growth in Christ. First, the light calls for a response. The religious leaders recognized, if just temporarily, that because of their sin they were not in a position to judge. The woman recognized her sin and was given the opportunity to turn away from it.

The religious leaders reveal the nature of evil. For as much as there are people who embrace the holiness, goodness, mercy, love and grace of God’s presence with us, there are others that choose darkness over light. Chapter eight begins with the religious leaders wanting to stone to death a woman. Chapter eight will end with these same religious leaders wanting to stone Jesus to death.

What word or phrase in these verses

attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

18-Mar-12     John 8:21-47