1. The Gospel of John is a tremendous source for helping us to grow in the knowledge of the Lord as we are instructed in 2 Peter 3:18. 2. We have observed in our study of John 1-7 that many people did not receive Jesus, as indicated in John 1:5, 10-11. 3. However, there were occasions when the most unlikely people did receive the Lord, such as the people of Samaria (John 4:39-42). 4. In this lesson we are covering the information presented in John 8:1-11. a. The Jewish scribes and Pharisees were antagonistic toward Jesus. b. Jesus saved a woman caught in adultery. Discussion: I. LET US FIRST EXAMINE THE SETTING FOR WHAT HAPPENED
A. Ch.7 concludes with the people going to their own homes. B. As ch.8 begins, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives (vs.1). C. We learn from John 8:2 that Jesus returned to the temple early in the morning. 1. Jesus had been teaching in the temple (John 7:14). 2. Later, even though it was early, many people came to the Lord. 3. Jesus sat down and taught those who were present. II. (John 8:3-6a) THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES CONFRONTED JESUS
A. They brought a woman caught in adultery. B. They mentioned the punishment in the Law of Moses for adultery. C. They wanted Jesus to pass judgment on this woman. D. Their motive is revealed in vs.6a -- they were looking for something to use against Jesus. E. We must remember that the Romans did not allow the Jews to administer capital punishment (John 18:31). III. LET US BE REMINDED OF THE ACTUAL TEACHING IN THE LAW OF MOSES
A. The punishment for adultery was death (Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22), including the man and the woman. B. Multiple witnesses were required for establishing a charge against anyone (Deuteronomy 19:15). C. The witnesses were to lead in the execution of someone guilty of a capital offense (Deuteronomy 17:6-7). IV. (John 8:6b) JESUS INITIALLY IGNORED THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES V. (John 8:7-8) JESUS RESPONDED TO THEIR PERSISTENCE WITH HIS FAMOUS STATEMENT AND RETURNED TO IGNORING THEM VI. (John 8:9) THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES LEFT VII. (John 8:10-11) JESUS AND THE WOMAN FINALLY TALKED
A. Keep in mind that many people had come to the Lord as He taught. B. The Lord's comments showed the woman and others that He had a special mission to fulfill (Luke 9:56; 19:10; John 12:47; 1 Timothy 1:15).
