7:53 And everyone went to his home.
8:1 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 And early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people were coming to Him; and He sat down and began to teach them. 3. And the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, and having set her in the midst, 4 they said to Him, "Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?" 6 And they were saying this, testing Him, in order that they might have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down, and with His finger wrote on the ground.
Message: The Woman Caught in Adultery
Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."
What the Lord is Saying: This passage which begins with verse 53 of chapter 7 up to verse 11 of chapter 8 is footnoted in my Bible as saying, "Not found in most of the old manuscripts." This is true. That said, the church has thought that it records an authentic episode from the life of Christ, but even here, in looking at the "I am" statement that begins in verse 12, it seems that it is inserted here in this passage. It is a passage that is not even clear that it belongs to the writings of John as one manuscripts has it with Luke. So as we read the first two verses, they are not referring to the conversation that most recently occurred at the end of chapter 7 and in verse 1 of chapter 8 as it mentions the Mount of Olive, this is not elsewhere mentioned by John.
Now, as the passage explains Jesus has returned to the temple where people were coming to him and he was teaching them. Of note is that temple teaching is a practice that we continue to teach today as we assemble regularly at our churches, bible studies, weekly gatherings to listen to teaching and be taught. Jesus practiced this and we as well. And as was the occasion when He taught, the Pharisees and scribes were present to catch him hopefully with an error. His authority obviously bothered their authority.
As the passage records, these Jewish officials bring a woman. Only a woman. Not a man also as two would be responsible. The Law mentions in Leviticus 20:10 that both the man and the woman were to be punished, not only the woman. But these officials seem to only be concerned about the woman or she is all they could find as the purpose here is to trap Jesus. And the trap was set. If Jesus agrees with punishment then he would side with Rome, enforcing capital punishments. If he excused her behavior, then he could be accused of not following the Law. So he writes in the dirt, buying a little time, having them wait for his answer.
Summary: A woman is brought by Jesus officials which Jesus is teaching at the temple, stating the woman has been caught in adultery and Jesus is asked to determine her fate.
Promise: As God's people, we must be concerned with justice, with making sure the innocent are protected and the guilty held accountable.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, than you for your grace and for extending it to me, though I am guilty of many of crime and sin against You, against my neighbor, family, self and others. But you forgive and thank you for forgiving. Thank you for making me whole and thank you for the examples you have in scripture of the way you taught and how we are to live. Thank you for the manuscripts that were discovered and have given us these texts today to read and study and apply to our lives. Thank you for that lasting message. You have gifted so many people and your grace is extended to many and your living waters of goodness, love and mercy are ever present. You are praised and lifted high.
Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.
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