John Bible Study “That Ye Might Believe” John 8

 

John Bible Study “That Ye Might Believe” John 8

Jesus and the woman taken in adultery 8:1-11

Many newer versions of the Bible reject this event or mark it with footnotes saying it is not in the oldest translations. Can you imagine a Bible without the story of the Woman Caught in Adultery? The oldest manuscripts are riddled with mistakes, and this is one of the most glaring.

The scribes and Pharisees bring the woman to Jesus in the treasury of the Temple, the Court of Women, vs 20. All were allowed in this part of the temple and so Jesus could teach both men and women.

Vs. 3-5 Read the following passages, Leviticus 20:10; Deut 17:6-7 and then answer the following question.  Were the Pharisees really acting according to the Law?

No, they did not bring the man be stoned also.

How do you think the Pharisees might have caught this woman?

She was set up by her lover or she was a prostitute that the Pharisees knew they could trap.

What was the trap the Pharisees were laying for Jesus?

If he said, “Don’t stone her” He would be guilty of ignoring the Law. If he said, “Stone her” then He would be accused of rebellion against the Roman government since only Rome could execute a person.

Why do you think Jesus wrote upon the ground? What do you think He wrote?

He wrote to give time for conviction and thought. We don’t what he wrote or even if it was words or a picture. What He wrote isn’t important, the fact that He wrote is.

Vs. 7-11 What life-lessons did Jesus teach when confronted by the woman caught in adultery?

The law condemns all guilty of sin. Romans 3:23, 5:12

Love of the sinner without condoning the sin.

Christ is the only one able to justly condemn and to forgive this woman. 2 Cor 5:21; Heb 4:15; 1 Pet. 2:22

Jesus The Light Of The World 8:12-20

After the event with the woman, Jesus says “I am the light of the world.” How does such a declaration go with what had just happened?

Jesus once again claims to be the only source of truth, eternal life and light. Only one who could forgive sin could make this claim.

Our Lord’s I AM statement was also related to the Feast of Tabernacles, during which the huge candelabra were lighted in the temple at night to remind the people of the pillar of fire that had guided Israel in their wilderness journey. In fact, John has combined three “wilderness images”: the manna (John 6), the water from the rock (John 7), and the pillar of fire (John 8). - Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 1:320.

Vs. 13-18 The Pharisees reject Jesus' claim as the light of the world based on the need for more than one witness. How does Jesus show their accusation was wrong?

First, He tells them that his own witness is true and that there are two witnesses to the truth, Himself and His father.

The Deity of Jesus Declared

Notice the many ways that Jesus declares His deity.

Vs 23…I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.

Vs 24 ..ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

Vs. 26  I have many things to say and to judge of you. …I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.

Vs. 28  When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am…

Vs. 30-32 Believers -As he spake these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

 What are the marks of a true believer?

Continuing in Jesus’ word, knowing the truth

 Vs. 33 – 59 Non- Believers

“They” may refer to the Pharisees and scribes who have been debating Jesus or to those who were not really His disciples and who did not know the truth and were not free.

In the previous verses “they” is mostly used to refer to the Pharisees and scribes. (John 8:13, 19, 22, 25)

 Vs. 33-59 What marked these as unbelievers?

Vs 34 They do not believe they are in bondage.

Vs 39 They believe their lineage will save them.

Vs 45 They do not believe the truth.

Vs. 47 Jesus says they are not of God

Vs. 48, 52 They mock Jesus and call him crazy or possessed.

Vs. 54-55 They do not know God.

vs. 59 They try to kill Jesus

Is everyone who claims to believe in Jesus today saved?

No, we must accept Jesus fully or not at all.  He must be Lord, Savior and God for belief in anything less will not save us.

What great truth is taught in 8:58, for which the Jews then try to kill Jesus?

The deity of Jesus is proclaimed.  He uses the same title that Moses hears from the burning bush in Exodus 3:13-14

What was the Jews reaction to Jesus’ answer?

They tried to stone him for blasphemy.

 

Conclusion

The 8th chapter of John contains some of the most direct statements by Jesus of His deity. It leaves us with no alternative but to either believe Jesus was God the Son, very God of very God or to view Him as either a liar or a lunatic. The only options are to believe and bow the knee or deny and die in our sins.