Jesus and The Adulterous Woman

Read John 8:1-11

John 8:1–11 KJV 1900

1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. 2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. 3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, 4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? 6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. 7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. 8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Jesus and the Adulterous Woman John 8:1-11

Shortly after Jesus arrived at the temple - which apparently was pretty early - the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman caught in the act of adultery to Jesus

They must have either set the scenario up, or been watching for such an occasion. They had probably been up most of the night waiting to catch her.

It is interesting that the Bible says both adulters were to be stoned to death

Lev 20:10 “10 And the man that committeth adultery with another man’s wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.”

Deut. 22:22 “22 If a man be found lying with a woman married to an husband, then they shall both of them die, both the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away evil from Israel.”

This act by the religious leaders had nothing to do with upholding the law, or the integrity of this woman— it was a trap to trick Jesus

Jesus’ first response was to stoop down and write on the ground with His finger.

They keep asking him - this wasn’t a one time request -they were urging and pressuring him for a judgment call - Jesus doesn’t give them what they want.

Instead Jesus makes a statement - “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

A song I heard recently by a popular Southern Gospel group says, “no stones in my pocket” in other words they aren’t going around looking for people to throw stones at. I think that is a great adage to live by.

Then as soon as he says that he stoops down and begins to write on the ground again.

This isn’t the first time God has written with his finger -

He wrote to Belshazzar on the wall

He wrote to the Children of Israel on the tablet of stone creating the Ten Commandments.

Not sure what he wrote - but whatever it was it made them so uncomfortable they had to leave.

Jesus’ response analyzed:

Jesus was not opposed to the Old Testament - the Law of God

He was merciful to the woman

He opposed her sin (He didn’t condemn her to death, but he sent her away commissioned her not to sin anymore. )

175 Sermon Outlines 107. Case Dismissed

CASE DISMISSED

“When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?” John 8:10

The case against the adulterous woman was dismissed because:

1. Christ Became the Chief Counsel for Her Defense

2. Each Witness Was Disqualified

3. Christ Instituted a Workable Rehabilitation Program

My soul was in the marketplace A slave was I to sin And there was bidding all around My soul they sought to win The carnal offers came so fast It was hard to realize That this would seal my destiny My soul, it was the prize. "A life of pleasure!" shouted one, With promises so vain And so appealing was his bid For sin could thus remain I heard old Satan make his bid of earthly wealth and fame It seemed that none could offer more That this, my soul would claim. Just when it seemed my soul would go still more enslaved to be, I saw One standing in the midstl Who came from Calvary I heard Him say, "THIS SOUL IS MINE! I paid redemption's price! Not gold, not silver, 'tis My blood, I made the sacrifice." The bidding ceased. Long silence reigned. I listened for some voice. And then the light of truth broke in 'Twas mine to make the choice. I fell down at the Savior's feet in penitence and tears, His nail-pierced hands cast off my chains His love dispelled my fears. My soul was in the market place, but Jesus set me free!