27th January 2025

It is noted in the Bible that John 7:53-8:11 is not included in the earliest manuscripts, nevertheless, there are lessons we can learn from the passage. The sin of a woman is usually pointed out first, which cannot be denied, but let’s look further into these verses. What else is being said?

There was a division among the religious leaders about who Jesus was (John 7:25-52), and the Pharisees wanted to arrest Jesus, but not all of them could come to the same agreement. We are told that they then went home; assuming that it was now late in the day and that they were getting nowhere in agreement. Jesus on the other hand went to the Mount of Olives. Was it to pray and prepare for the next day? Was it because he knew what was in the hearts of the Pharisees and their planned trap? We do not know, but Jesus was aware of the accusations that they had made against him, and he was always working for our good.

While the Pharisees had plans to secure the proof to condemn Jesus, Jesus on the other hand is in the business of redemption, forgiveness, and salvation. As is pointed out in verses 7:53-8:11 we all are guilty of sin, even the religious leaders; we are a broken lot. But Jesus has come to repair our brokenness and to make us whole again. Just as the Pharisees were, we all are aware of our own faults, sins, and weaknesses. Praise God that he points them out so that they can, with his help of course, be removed from our lives. Some sins and faults take a great deal of work to completely remove. It takes time, but praise be to God that he is at work within us to reach this goal. Unlike we who see the faults and blemishes in ourselves and others, Jesus sees the solution. May I say that that solution is Jesus in our lives.

The realisation of sin is only the first step of course. It does us no good to point out the failings of others; they know what they are. After the realisation must come the solution as Jesus declared in verse 11 of John 8: “Go now and leave your life of sin.” Easier said than done, we may say, but Jesus makes the way possible. I was lost in my sin, but Jesus rescued me. I was without hope, but Jesus comforted me. I was hurt and lonely, but Jesus showed me his love. I was dead in my sin, but Jesus made me alive and clean again. I was without direction, but Jesus showed me the way. I was afraid, but Jesus gave me strength for each new day. I was lost in the darkness, but Jesus gave me his light. I wouldn’t be who I am but for Jesus!

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