John 8 - NLT Student Life Application Study Bible

8:1-11 Mercy and Forgiveness The Jewish leaders had already disregarded the law by arresting the woman without the man who was also involved. The law required that both people involved in an act of adultery be stoned (Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22). Rather than actually pursuing righteousness, the leaders were trying to use the woman as a trap to trick Jesus. Because Jesus upheld the legal penalty for adultery in his response, he couldn’t be accused of defying the law. But by saying that only a sinless person could throw the first stone, he was highlighting the importance of mercy and forgiveness. Of everyone present, he himself was the only one without sin, but he chose not to condemn the woman either. We don’t know what Jesus wrote in the dust, but some have speculated that it could have been a list of sins committed by the accusers, or perhaps the Ten Commandments.

8:12-20 The Light of the World Jesus was speaking in the Treasury—the part of the Temple where the offerings were given and where candles were burned to symbolize the pillar of fire that had led the people of Israel through the wilderness, which had represented God’s presence, protection, and guidance (Exodus 13:21-22). In this context, Jesus called himself “the light of the world.” He is the one who brings God’s presence, protection, and guidance to us when we trust in him.

8:31-36 Setting Us Free Jesus himself is the Truth who sets us free. He is the source of truth, the perfect standard of what is right. Sin has a way of enslaving us, deceiving us, controlling us, and dictating our actions. Jesus can free us from this slavery, which is what keeps us from becoming the people God created us to be. If sin is restraining, mastering, or enslaving us, Jesus can break its power over our lives.

8:58-59 Jesus’ Claim to Be God This is one of the most powerful statements Jesus uttered during his ministry. By saying that he had existed before Abraham had been born, he was undeniably proclaiming his divinity. In fact, not only did Jesus say that he’d existed before Abraham, but he also applied God’s holy name to himself—“I AM” (Exodus 3:14). In accordance with the law given in Leviticus 24:16, the religious leaders were ready to stone him for claiming to be God. They understood what Jesus was claiming, and because they didn’t believe he was God, they charged him with blasphemy. Now it’s our turn to decide how we’ll respond to Jesus’ claims. Will we believe him?