To the sinful (those who don’t think they are worthy of God’s love) Jesus begins with grace and then once the person knows they are loved, seen, and heard then he points towards the truth as we see with the woman caught in the act of adultery.
For those who don’t think of themselves as sinners, Jesus begins with the truth before he gets to the grace as he does this with the religious leaders.
Jesus clearly claims He is the light of the world and the “I Am” and promises that if we know the truth that the truth will set us free.
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Video:
Message Notes:
While Jesus is teaching in the temple courts, the religious leaders interrupt him by bringing a woman caught in the act of adultery to stand in front of him saying: “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger.” (John 8:4-6 NIV)
Don’t you wish we knew what he was writing?! Maybe he was writing the names of the men holding the stones or the sins he was aware they had committed.
Jesus then stood up and said: “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7 NIV)
One at a time the accusers slowly begin to leave.
Jesus asks: “Is there anyone left to accuse you?”
“”No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”” (John 8:11 NIV)
To the sinful (those who don’t think they are worthy of God’s love) Jesus begins with grace and then once the person knows they are loved, seen, and heard then he points towards the truth.
For those who don’t think of themselves as sinners, Jesus begins with the truth before he gets to the grace. He does this with the religious leaders as he calls them “sinners.” It may seem more confrontational than we prefer, but it works as at least 2 of the religious leaders choose to follow Jesus in Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea.
It’s in this next section of teaching Jesus says: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32 NIV)
Jesus makes bold claims such as
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 NIV)
He claims God as Father and the One who sent Him and the One who glorifies Him
Then my favorite…
“Very truly I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!” (John 8:58 NIV)
“I am” is the name God used to describe himself in the story of Moses and the burning bush.
The people fully understood. Jesus is claiming to be God.
When reading this passage what stood out to you?
How do you sense God may want you to apply what you discovered?
