The Gospel of John: Come and See No Condemnation

Sunday we move into John chapter 8. There is some question about the text as the older manuscripts of John don’t have this section in them. Most scholars believe that the events of the text did occur and were moved here from another location by a later editor. Nothing in the text goes against the teaching of Jesus. Rather, the interaction enhances the statement of Jesus, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:17)

These are the very words of Jesus at the end of his interaction with the woman of the text, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?...Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” (John 8:10,11) Jesus knows the requirements of the Law of Moses which calls for the stoning of adulterers. The Pharisees are setting a trap to accuse him and have him charged. But they are ignoring part of the law, after all, both parties should have been stoned. Jesus doesn’t ignore the law but challenges the hypocrisy of these men and exposes their self-righteousness.

This passage illustrates the grace that God has offered us through his Son. Come Sunday and consider this passage with me.