When comparing John 7:53 with John 8:1-2 we immediately want to know the distance between the Mount of Olives and the Temple in Jerusalem. Looks like Jesus slept (or prayed) there all night long!

“And every man went unto his own house. But Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. 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.”

The distance is nearly two miles! Quite an energizing early morning walk! Jesus was a strong young man, yet God the Son as well!

Stoning a woman for adultery?

Yes, according to the Law … Leviticus 20:10 … “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.”

But do note that the guilty “man” is not mentioned by the hypocritical Pharisees, who were just using the woman anyway, to trap Jesus in some kind of error! (They once again failed.)

The only words this woman needs to say (in the whole Narrative) is “No man, Lord!” (Apparently calling Jesus “Lord” …from the depths of her heart in faith … got her “saved!”)

1 Corinthians 12:3 applies here … “Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.”

One writer here called Jesus the “Public Defender!” Reminds me of Luke 15:2 … “And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners.” (We had all better be glad He does!)

Jesus showed the woman “Mercy!” And He furthermore showed her accusers their “sins!” What a Saviour!

I mentioned in Class that some (liberal) professors deny that our Text (John 8:1-11) is really in the Bible! Missing in what they call the “best” manuscripts! I long ago decided that if any Paragraph or Word (verb or noun or whatever) is in my Bible, I will take it as genuine! I will preach and teach it!

“ALL SCRIPTURE is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16

Besides, John chapters 3 and 4 and 5 and 6 and 7 each begin with a factual “Story” then proceed with a Sermon. So, it sure looks to me like John 8 just might be doing the same thing! The “Woman taken in adultery” stays in my Bible!

Here we have the enemies of Jesus (the Pharisees) quoting Scripture! “They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?” John 8:4-5

But in reality, the devil also quoted Scripture that day he tempted Jesus so sorely! “And (Satan) saith unto him (Jesus), If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.” Matthew 4:6, the deceiver quoting Psalm 91:12.

It’s not just what the mouth says … but what the heart believes as well!

“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” John 1:17

Hallelujah!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell