John 8:1-11
Introduction
There will be one test all of us must face- call it the macro test of life.
“Did you receive and live by mercy?”
“Do you know how much you need mercy?”
John presses this “macro test” upon his readers in this incident by examining three “micro tests” which move the drama.
1. The scribes test Jesus. (v.6)
“What then do you say?”
The scribes intentionally came to the temple, where Jesus was teaching, “in order to test Him”. It has “setup” written all over it.
**If He says stone her, which Dt.22:23 proscribed, Jesus would offend the Roman state, which reserved for itself alone the prerogative of capital punishment (18:31 “we are not permitted to put anyone to death”).
**But if He lets her off the hook, then Mr. Righteous offends the law of God.
Jesus turns the tables; His answer is a test question for them!
2. Jesus tests the scribes (v.7)
“Who can throw first?”
He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”
Calvin comments here: “You can correct others, as long as you hate in yourself and others, what you condemn.”
He trusts that His presence, silence, and question will force them to look at the spirit in which they brought her.
What happened to the law of God?
Jesus’ grief has to be primarily with the failure of the Jews to understand the purpose of the law.
The law proscribes the way of holiness, reveals the perfect character of God.
But the law also is given to us to drive us to Christ.
When the Pharisees bring the woman to Jesus they are really bringing her as a symbol of their own righteousness, for in their minds her sin, by comparison, makes them look pure.
What an amazing irony in the drama! The self-righteous drag the guilty to the fountain of mercy, only to leave ultimately facing God’s just punishment.
3. Jesus tests the woman. (v.11)
“Has grace led you from sin?”
Jesus follows with His pronouncement of grace: “Neither do I condemn you.”
The test for the woman is clear: “Go and sin no more.” Grace always demands the complete allegiance of the recipient.
