John 8:2–11, 30–36

Bible Studies for Life
Director, Extension Division, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

Jesus Forgives Our Sins
John 8:2–11, 30–36
As familiar as this passage has been to Christians, it has also been the source of much conversation. Many have questioned its placement in this text and its authenticity. There is compelling evidence, however, to support that the account of this episode is the inspired Word of God. The compilers clearly felt this section to be consistent with the spirit and message of the fourth Gospel.

Caught in the Act (2–4)
The writer tells us that when Jesus went to the temple, a group of people gathered and He sat down to teach. At this point, the Jewish leaders bring a woman caught in the act of adultery and have her stand before all present. These “holy men” literally and figuratively expose this woman and her sin in front of many and appear to take pride in their action. Certainly the “adultery” description tells us that she was a sinner and we see that her actions were made public. Many of us can imagine the shame she felt because we can remember the humiliation and disgrace when our sins have been exposed. And don’t there always seem to be others who delight in our failure? This delight happens perhaps because it makes them feel better about their unexposed flaws.

Condemned by God’s Law (5–6a)
Scripture condemns sin and it certainly condemns the sin in question. As we explore this passage further, however, we see that the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees don’t appear to be that concerned with properly carrying out the Law. On the contrary, these men are trying to trap Christ using the woman as their bait. If they could get Jesus to say that the woman shouldn’t be stoned, He would be accused — in front of a large number — of violating Moses’ Law. If He told them to continue with the stoning, however, Jesus would be in violation of Roman decree because the Jewish people were not allowed to carry out executions.

A New Start Possible (6b–11)
With one statement, Jesus turns this confrontation upside down. The accusers are required to be innocent of sin before they are able to carry out the death sentence, and in their hearts, they apparently know that they, too, are guilty. Can’t you picture stones dropping to the ground as they leave one by one until they are all gone? Jesus then refuses to condemn the woman and instead tells her to go, stop living the way that she was and not return to those sinful ways.

The True Liberator (30–36)
Jesus returns to teaching and explains to believers that if they are committed to follow Him, they will obey His teaching. This obedience will lead to knowing what is true, and that knowledge leads to “real” freedom. He goes on to explain, however, that seeking freedom on one’s own terms only leads to habitual sin that enslaves the follower.

What an incredible message. Brought before the God of creation fully expecting a furious and final condemnation, this woman instead — because of His grace — finds love, forgiveness, correction and direction. And what about those who brought her? Those who found her sin to be too abhorrent to be cleansed? Once convicted of their own uncleanness, they didn’t stay to hear the words of Christ. Had they stayed, their lives might have been changed forever.

How often have we looked upon the sins of others as worse than our own? And when forced to examine our own lives, we find ourselves exposed before our heavenly Father, ashamed and feeling utterly unforgivable. Only to once again — or maybe for the very first time — experience His love, forgiveness, correction and direction.

Sin is serious, sin has consequences and sin requires that a price be paid. Christ wanted this woman, the accusers and us to know that out of love and because of His grace, He has paid that price. As a result, no matter how bad others or we find these sins, He stands ready to forgive. Christ promises that once forgiven, if we live a life of obedience to His teaching, we’ll understand “real” freedom and have no desire to return to the “old” life. That’s “amazing grace.”