A Study of the commands from our Lord, Jesus the Christ

Week 27, May 30th

This week's Tour Stop: "Go and from now on sin no more". (see John 8:11 (NASB)).

Background: The scribes and the Pharisees are once again trying to trap Jesus, just like with the "paying tribute to Ceasar" episode (see Week 20: Render Unto Caesar ).

They need Jesus to do something that will disgrace His ministry in front of the people and at the same time get enough evidence of wrongdoing so the Romans will execute Jesus because the Pharisees are "not permitted to put anyone to death,” (see John 18:31 (NASB)).

So upon learning that Jesus is in the temple courtyard teaching the people (see John 8:2 (NASB)), the scribes and the Pharisees bring a woman caught in adultery (see John 8:3-4 (NASB)).

The scribes and the Pharisees know the Levitical Law states: "the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death." (see Leviticus 20:10 (NASB)). But they don't have the authority to carry out the sentence.

They want Jesus to condemn the woman. If he doesn't He is breaking the Law of the LORD and they can rightly condemn Jesus in front of the crowds. If Jesus does condemn her, they hand Jesus over to the Romans. (see verse 6).

BUT

Jesus does not address them. Jesus just starts writing in the dirt. The scribes and Pharisees insist he answer them. Jesus then rises and asks: “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” (see verse 7); and returns to writing in the dirt.

Then one by one, starting with the oldest, ALL the accusers depart (see verse 9); leaving Jesus and the woman in the center of the court.

Jesus asks the woman if anyone is left to condemn her (see verse 10).

This brings us to verse 11. The woman correctly states that no one is around to condemn her for her sin. Do not lose sight of the fact the woman is a sinner. She deserves death. As do we all.

BUT

Jesus did not come to condemn us, he came to seek and save us (see Luke 19:10).

The take away from this story is the phrase: "and from now on sin no more".

Although this command was specifically given to this one person, the lesson, for the disciple of Christ, is found in verse 12 .

"he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness (sin) but will have the Light of life"

As we "go" through this life make sure your actions reflect the Light of life, Jesus.

Our main job, as followers of Christ, is NOT to condemn or point out the sin of others. Our job is to "preach the gospel" (see Week 24). the salvation found in Christ.

If you have any other questions for me please send me an email

If this link does not work for you my email address is 'burtonmark@cox.net' with the subject line of 'Week 27'. I would love to hear from you.

Note: this passage, John 7:53 - John 8:11, is flagged as being added to later manuscripts of the Gospel of John.

The tour continues next week but I am not at all sure which of the commands of our LORD I will be sharing.

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