John 8 - NIV God’s Justice Bible

8:1–11 Twisted Justice This incident illustrates the twisted justice Jesus denounces (7:24). The law experts do not seek justice but use the legal system to entrap Jesus. They have a biased double standard against women; and they refuse to do their duty when Jesus challenges them with a legal principle of the law they claim to uphold (Deut 13:9; 17:7). Jesus could not be more different. Even though he has the authority to judge, Jesus refuses to condemn the woman. Instead he challenges her to leave her sinful ways.

8:12–20 Following the Light During the Festival of Tabernacles Jesus makes more allusions to the exodus, when God led Israel out of slavery in Egypt. He is the light of the world (v. 12), reminding them of the pillar of fire that guided the people. He is also the true provision of God in terms of bread from heaven (6:35, 41) and living water (7:37–38). He is more than a religious teacher. He reveals the Father, exposes the unbelief of those who reject him, and brings to faith those who recognize in him God’s presence and message.

8:31–59 Who Is Your Father? Discipleship means more than sympathy for Jesus. It implies perseverance in Jesus’ teaching. Those who claim to have believed (v. 31) are not really his disciples. Their determination to kill him reveals their lineage is not what they claim. At stake there is much more than religious differences between Jesus and his detractors. This is a battle between God—the source of truth and life—and the murderous father of lies (v. 44). In that sense, each side represents two opposite family trees. Proud, strict religiosity does not necessarily square with belonging to God’s people.