The Light of the World

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John 8 begins “But Jesus.” Jesus lived a different life. When everyone else went home, He went to the Mt. of Olives. This place was significant to Jesus. It was a place of meeting God, even historically. King David (2 Sam. 15:30,32) had done so. Also, from this place His transfiguration would occur. In addition it was the place prophesied by Zephaniah to which He would return a second time. Jesus prepared Himself here with His Father. For this day, Jesus, the light of the World, teaches in the synagogue, deals with the scribes and Pharisees, and frees a woman from condemnation.

Teaches in the Synagogue

This passage tells us that early in the morning Jesus returned to the temple. Here the people came and Jesus taught them. Notice the position from which Jesus taught. He sat. It was as if He had all the time in the world, to explain to these people the things of God. They wanted to learn from this man who told them, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

Deals with the Scribes and Pharisees

The Scribes and pharisees also followed Him. It wasn’t for His light. They wanted rather to trip Him up, to catch Him to accuse Him. They did not know that before them stood Jesus “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” If Jesus spoke against the law of Moses, they thought they could charge Him. However, Jesus, the light of the world saw into a person’s heart. When these Jewish leaders brought the woman caught in adultery, Jesus knew what they were about. He used the opportunity to teach them something. The sinless one could throw the first stone. None claimed to be such. They all, the eldest to the last one walked away. They had misjudged the light of the world.

Frees a Woman From Condemnation

Women in Jesus’ day were treated with little respect. Being caught in adultery was a crime where the law of Moses condemned both the man and woman to be put to death. Here Jesus elevates her. After dealing with the accusers, He takes the time to talk with her. Where are your accusers? Are none left to condemn you? Then He says, “Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more.” He does not condemn, nor does He miss the opportunity to speak into her life. She had encountered the light of the world. She no longer needed to walk in darkness.

For this day, Jesus, the light of the World, teaches in the synagogue, deals with the scribes and Pharisees, and frees a woman from condemnation.