A study of John 8:2-11 reveals hearts that manipulate scripture for evil intent, caution about condemning others’ sin lest we expose our own, and that Jesus doesn’t condemn sin, but still speaks against it.
A study of John 8:2-11 reveals hearts that manipulate scripture for evil intent.
The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. (ESV, John 8:3-6)
The religious leaders accused Jesus several times of violating the sabbath law. And wanted to arrest and kill him. Now, they set a trap for him. As Jesus teaches a crowd in the temple they bring to him a woman caught in adultery. And reminded him that according to Jewish law, it carried a death sentence by stoning. But what do you say, Jesus?
Leviticus 20:10 and Deuteronomy 22:22 impose a death sentence for both parties that commit adultery. But the method of execution is not mentioned. However, death by stoning is mentioned in Deuteronomy 23:23-24. specifically in the case of a betrothed virgin committing adultery with another man. However, it also calls for both parties to receive the sentence. So the obvious question is: Where’s the man?
Of course, the religious leaders didn’t care about the man or the woman. She was a tool for their trap that presented two options. If Jesus supports the law, he loses credibility as a rabbi of compassion and grace. A friend to the downtrodden and social outcasts. Furthermore, he puts himself in opposition to Roman law because only the Romans could carry out executions. But if he lets her go by offering grace and mercy, he discredits himself by opposing the law that he teaches.
A study of John 8:2-11 reveals caution about condemning others’ sin lest we expose our own.
Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. 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.” (John 8:6)
You can almost sense the glee of the religious leaders in their cleverness. Jesus was trapped in either direction. And they probably had preformed responses for either way Jesus decided.
However, rather than answer immediately, Jesus bends down and writes on the ground. Why? A pause for dramatic effect? Stall tactic as he prays for words and forms a response? And the biggest question. What did he write on the ground? It is the speculation of countless sermons and Bible scholars. And the answer? No one knows.
But Jesus’ response proves his knowledge of the Old Testament law too. It alludes to Deuteronomy 17:7 that gives a condition for execution by stoning. Witnesses of the offense were to be the first ones to throw stones. Referring to it suggests the religious leaders bringing the woman were also the witnesses who caught her in the act. Otherwise, it would complicate the stoning outcome.
But it didn’t matter. Because as the religious leaders kept pressing him for an answer Jesus looks up and flips the script by adding one more condition. As witnesses of the offense, you may throw the first stone…if you are without sin. And it presents a good rule of thumb for us today. To consider our own spiritual purity before we pile on in condemnation of another person’s sin.
The massive explosion the religious leaders eagerly anticipated diffused into dead silence. As consciences kicked in. Moral realization took hold. And everyone trickled away.
A study of John 8:2-11 reveals that Jesus doesn’t condemn of sin, but still speaks against it.
Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more. (ESV, John 8:10-11)
When everyone else is gone, Jesus turns his attention to the woman. What must she be thinking? Now I’m doomed. Perhaps a glimmer of hope for grace. Or, this might be a good time to make a break for it. But Jessus simply asks her if there are any accusers remaining. “No one, Lord,” she replies.
And then, likely to her amazement, Jesus speaks the most unexpected and liberating words in her life. “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.”
Her sense of worthlessness is wiped away. Instead, she is intimately seen, valued, and covered with divine love.
Jesus the judge but not condemner
Ultimately, Jesus will judge all of mankind. But his earthly mission had a different purpose.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (ESV, John 3:17)
Although Jesus did not condemn her sin, he didn’t ignore or condone it either. But tells her to leave it behind. In other words, repent. The same instructions he gave the invalid man after healing him by the pool of Bethsesda. The religious leaders wanted to condemn. Jesus wanted to redeem. And the same is true for us today. But we must believe in Jesus. Confess our sins to him as savior and Lord. Turn towards him and away from our sins. And follow as his disciples.
This is the path for spiritual liberation.
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. (ESV, Romans 8:1-2)
Furthermore, discipleship requires a careful balance. We are called to pursue righteousness while confessing our sins. And respond with grace to the sin of others, but with discernment in our obedience to God.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
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