John 8:1-11: the Woman Caught in Adultery
Listen to the message
This week we read a story where the scribes and the Pharisees brought before Jesus a woman who "was caught in the act of adultery." They insisted Jesus tell them what should be done with her, not because they didn’t know what the Law of Moses said should be done, but rather as a trap. Would Jesus discredit himself by not following the Scriptures, or would he violate Roman rule and laws? Neither, as it turns out. In the end, this woman wasn’t the only one whose guilt would be laid bare before Jesus. There is a remarkable story of forgiveness and grace here, as well as a potent warning against the self-righteousness judging of others. Speaker: Pastor Tom Hendrikse.
John 8:1–11 (Listen)
8:1 but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. 3 The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst 4 they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. 5 Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” 6 This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. 7 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.” 8 And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. 9 But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. 10 Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”]]
(ESV)
