Grace in the Light of Truth
Notes
Transcript
Title: “Grace in the Light of Truth”
Text: John 8:1-12
Before we begin our text this morning, I want to make mention of something that occurs in the text. If you are using a KJV or a NKJV, you may not notice this textual issue. However, if you are using the ESV, NASB, NIV, or other modern translations of scripture. You will notice a subscript or even brackets around this text that says The earliest manuscripts do not include 7:53-8:11.
It is very possible that this section of scripture was not in the original verson of the Gospel of John but was later added by someone for an unknown reason.
This section is absent from all of the pre 4th century manuscripts.
When it does appear later on it is shown after john 7:36 or 44 or 52 or 21:25 or even Like 21:38.
Further, the section is not dealt with by early patristic writings up to the fourth century.
The issue finds itself that for the past 1300 years, church history has cherished this section of scripture, calling it scripture, and seeing that we have to understand that they came to the same conclusion that we will today.
Since this section is rooted in the oral tradition, church history and seems to be authentic we can determine that this section is valuable to the Christian.
While the earliest manuscripts do not include this, our forefathers and patristics in the faith believed it to be considered cannon and so shall we this morning.
Imagine if we kept a running tally of our spouse's little wrongdoings on a piece of paper.
Just so you can remind yourself often of their wrong doings and failures.
I asked Courtney to make a list of all the things that I did wrong starting Sunday right after church.
Came home and took a nap instead of helping cook food.
Left mail all over counter
Left without carrying food to go to church
Went to bed at 8:30 all week, instead of helping with bedtime routines.
Did not read to Hudson until I called him.
Played on Phone while I swept
Had to ask him to get supper started
Left my coffee at the house
This was all in two days and she stopped writing after day two.
While it may seem amusing, this list could create a mountain of grievances instead of a relationship of grace.
Today, in the scriptures we will see some Pharisees bringing charges against a woman caught in adultery. What we will find Jesus doing could be considered shocking, until we reflect on the mercy and grace of our savior.
Main Idea: Jesus offers mercy and grace to those who deserve judgement
Main Idea: Jesus offers mercy and grace to those who deserve judgement
The Trap of Hypocrisy (vv. 1-6a)
The Trap of Hypocrisy (vv. 1-6a)
The Setting: Jesus teaching in the temple, interrupted by the scribes and Pharisees.
•The Accusation: The woman is caught in adultery, but where is the man?
•The Motive: Not about justice but about trapping Jesus to discredit Him.
Scribes were a skilled and important profession in Judaism they were seen to be a combination of roles: Lawyer, ethicist, theologian, catechist, and jurist.
Their presence means that there was a formal legal proceeding taking place.
There is no reason given why they brought the woman to Jesus but for the fact that they were there to trap him.
They did not care about the law they cared about a trap.
If Jesus went against the Law of Moses then he would be going against God.
“If a man is found lying with the wife of another man, both of them shall die, the man who lay with the woman, and the woman. So you shall purge the evil from Israel.
“If there is a betrothed virgin, and a man meets her in the city and lies with her, then you shall bring them both out to the gate of that city, and you shall stone them to death with stones, the young woman because she did not cry for help though she was in the city, and the man because he violated his neighbor’s wife. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.
If Jesus condemned the woman to be stoned, then he would be placing himself into the role of the Roman Government. They were the only ones that could condemn to the death.
Jesus was the one that was on trial. Not the woman. These men and leaders did not care about the outcome of the woman but wanted to trap Jesus. They wanted him dead.
These ill feelings that they had against Jesus meant that they would respond with a list of their own.
Application: Be aware of hypocrisy—are we using truth to condemn others rather than restore them?
Hypocrisy is often given to the Pharisees. We are quick to condemn them for their hypocrisy when it comes to our savior.
however, our hypocrisy has found a blind spot to our own senses.
In your workplace, you may find yourself tempted to present a version of yourself that doesn’t align with your Christian beliefs—perhaps cutting corners on ethical decisions or gossiping about colleagues.
At home, it’s easy to fall into the trap of teaching your children about love and grace while losing your temper over minor inconveniences. This inconsistency can create confusion and hurt.
You might find yourself focusing on others' faults while overlooking your own. This attitude can foster a judgmental spirit reminiscent of the Pharisees' hypocrisy.
When you're in the church, you might put on a cheerful face, hiding your hurts and struggles. This mask can lead to an unhealthy church culture.
when we are trapping ourselves in hypocrisy is how does Jesus respond.
The Wisdom of Grace (vv. 6b-9)
The Wisdom of Grace (vv. 6b-9)
Jesus Writes in the Dirt:
Was jesus writing one the ten commandments that condemns adultry?
Was he writing a response regarding the accusers, or their own sins that he himself would know?
WE do not know. That information is not given to us
Jesus’ Response in sin one statement: “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.”
This isnt a request but a command.
Jesus command is that judgment needs to take place by a sinless one.
Jesus isnt denying the law but is demanding for the right- or perfect- execution of the law.
Jesus here speaks to the heart of the scribes and Pharisees.
Then he writes again. Something is peculure here. WE are not told exactally what he wrote on the ground but twice we are informed that he has wrote on the ground with his finger.
This is the same finger that we see in Exodus 31:18
And he gave to Moses, when he had finished speaking with him on Mount Sinai, the two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God.
and in Deuteronomy 9:10
And the Lord gave me the two tablets of stone written with the finger of God, and on them were all the words that the Lord had spoken with you on the mountain out of the midst of the fire on the day of the assembly.
The significance of the action of Jesus, is that he is the author of the Law. As they bring a woman to be condemed through the law of Moses, they didnt know the one that they were coming to for Judgement was the one who wrote the law in the first place.
When we place ourselves before the law of God, we see our sins. When we are placed before the son of God we see our sins.
No matter how good we think we are our sins still come out and stain us.
I remember we were having an all pink day at school, one of the other male teacher said they took one of their white polos and placed in into the wash with a lot of red polos so that he would be able to turn it pink. No matter the ratio of red to white the white would still get the pigment of the red even in a dull form it would still be there.
The Result: One by one, the accusers leave, convicted of their own sin.
We are left with only two people. Jesus and the woman.
He alone is the one without sin.
He exposed their sin, and hers. AS he stands in front of her.
Notice the change in how jesus describes this woman. He doesnt say Adulter but rather calls her woman. This title depicts how Jesus can embrace our sinfulness without the slightest hint of her sin becoming her personality nor her identity.
Application: Jesus exposes our sin, not to condemn, but to redirect us to grace.
nature of sin
The Gift of Forgiveness (vv. 10-11)
The Gift of Forgiveness (vv. 10-11)
Jesus’ Question: “Where are your accusers?”
The Declaration: “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”
The Pharisees and scribes come with a list of her sins
However, Jesus shows them, when sat beside his sinfulness and glory, how truly sinful they are.
God knows all our sins, past, present and future. He knows what we have done.
However, because he is the true judge and God of the world he has the ability to forgive sins and offer us forgiveness through himself.
We see the grace of our savior here as we place ourselves in the womans shoes. He looks at us, not marking us with the identifying factor of our sins. but calls us by name to come to him and repent of our sins, believe in him and sin no more.
Jesus offers his grace to sinners with no hope. Jesus offers himself to sinners with death in their future. Jesus offers himself to you and to me. Full of Grace. Full of mercy.
the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
The Balance: Jesus extends forgiveness (grace) but also calls for a transformed life (truth).
For those who have experienced his grace are called to live a transformed life.
We are called to sin no more. We are called to be holy, sinless, confess our sins quickly for he is faithful and just to forgive us of all iniquity.
Application: Forgiveness is not permission to sin but freedom to live in obedience.
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?
Repent, turn away from your wickedness. We are called to walk in the light.
The Call to Walk in the Light (v. 12)
The Call to Walk in the Light (v. 12)
Jesus’ Claim: “I am the light of the world.”
The Promise: Whoever follows Him will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.
The Connection: Jesus’ light exposes sin, guides us out of darkness, and leads us into life.
Application: Are you walking in the light of Jesus, or are you stumbling in the darkness?
Are we building list against other without offering the forgiveness that we have recieved.
When someone does something to us are we showing grace or forgeness or holding on to those things to bring up later?
Instead, take a moment to remember the forgiveness you’ve received and recall how Christ engaged with others compassionately. Challenge yourself to publicly display grace by engaging in respectful conversations with those you disagree with. Practice active listening, showing kindness, and asking thoughtful questions—this approach can break down barriers and demonstrate the love of Christ in action.
Conclusion
Summarize the key points: Jesus confronts hypocrisy, extends grace, offers forgiveness, and calls us to walk in His light.
Offer a closing challenge: Invite listeners to reflect on their response to Jesus’ grace and His call to holiness.
Closing Illustration/Call to Action
• Share a story of transformation where grace and truth worked together.
Consider the story of the prodigal son, a classic parable that illustrates grace and truth beautifully. The son squandered his inheritance, living recklessly, yet when he returned home, he was met not with judgment but with open arms from his father. The truth of his mistakes was met with the grace of forgiveness, culminating in a joyful celebration. This lighthearted yet profound tale reminds us all that transformation is possible when we choose to embrace both grace and truth in our lives.
• Encourage listeners to trust in the light of Christ and experience the freedom of His forgiveness.
