John 8 - Introduction

The Story of Forgiveness John Eight

Recorded in John chapter eight is the story of the forgiveness of a woman taken in the very act of adultery. The angry mob wanted to stone her in the name of the Law of Moses. Sadly, their motives were evil. They brought her to Jesus tempting Him that they might have some charge to bring against Him. Jesus told them that the one who was without sin must cast the first stone at her. No one threw a stone. Jesus told the woman that she must go her way and sin no more. The only way things can ever get better in our life is if we leave the life of sin behind and lovingly obey God completely. Jesus said, "Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me." (John 8:15-16) We need to forgive sinners because we likewise need forgiveness. It is true that the law said, "And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death." (Leviticus 20:10) The Pharisees seem to have conveniently forgotten the man that was involved. The law called for the same penalty for him as for the woman. Jesus knew and understood much more than the people could ever have imagined.

In the final part of John eight Jesus boldly made His claim of being the Messiah. He told the Jews that they would die in their sins if they did not believe in Him. As proof of His Messiahship Jesus said, "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad." (John 8:56) They claim that Abraham is their father and Jesus said Abraham rejoiced to see His days. The Jews replied, "Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?" They must have been surprised when Jesus said, "Before Abraham was, I am." Jesus truthfully said, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12)