In this chapter, the scribes and Pharisees join together to tempt Jesus. “The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:1717For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. (John 1:17)). They knew what the law said to do about this woman, but they didn’t know the grace that was in Jesus Christ. After writing on the ground, He lifted up Himself and said, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” Don’t you marvel at such an answer? Do you really think they could have tempted Him?
Another remarkable statement that Jesus made is: “I am the light of the world.” It would be pride for any other person to say this! But it is true that those that follow Him do not walk in darkness but have the light of life. Because of sin, all others are in moral and spiritual darkness.
The Lord Jesus always existed. One of His names is “I Am.” He not only became a man, but He was always God the Son (Proverbs 30:4; 8:304Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell? (Proverbs 30:4)
30Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; (Proverbs 8:30)). It is important to believe this, because if He was only a man, He could not save us (Jeremiah 17:55Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. (Jeremiah 17:5)).
From the very beginning, the devil told a lie to Eve and then led Cain to murder Abel. He did not abide in the truth that he knew. Jesus always told the truth, and sinful men did not like it because it convicted them.
The Jews said that Abraham was their father, but they weren’t acting as Abraham’s children. In wanting to kill Jesus, they were behaving as children of the devil. When Jesus said, “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:5858Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. (John 8:58)), they wanted to stone Him because He claimed to be God (see Exodus 3:1414And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. (Exodus 3:14)).
1. When answering the scribes and Pharisees about stoning the woman, who did Jesus say could throw the first stone? __________ John 8:___
2. Jesus is the light of the world. What do those that follow Him have? __________ John 8:___
3. What did Jesus say will happen to those who do not believe that He is the great “I Am”? __________ John 8:___
4. The devil is a murderer and a liar. What does not abide in him? __________ John 8:___
5. Abraham lived many years ago. What name does the Lord Jesus use for Himself that proves that He was before Abraham? __________ John 8:___