Bullet Point Bible

The Woman Caught in Adultery

⁹ Now when they heard this, they began to drift away one at a time, starting with the older ones, until Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him.¹⁰ Jesus stood up straight and said to her, "Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?"¹¹ She replied, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said, I do not condemn you either. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.]]

**Textual Note:** This passage (John 7:53-8:11) is not found in the earliest and most reliable Greek manuscripts of John. While included in many Bibles (like the NET), its original inclusion in John's Gospel is highly debated among scholars. It reflects themes consistent with Jesus' ministry but differs in style from the rest of John.
The religious leaders set a trap for Jesus: If he said "stone her," he'd usurp Roman authority (which forbade Jews from carrying out executions) and appear harsh. If he said "don't stone her," he'd contradict the Law of Moses (Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22).
Jesus' writing on the ground is unique in the Gospels. Its significance is debated: Was he listing their sins? Ignoring them? Fulfilling Jeremiah 17:13 ("those who turn away from you will be written in the dust")? The text doesn't specify.
Jesus' response, "{{Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her}}" (John 8:7), shifts the focus from the woman's sin to the accusers' own sinfulness, highlighting universal human sinfulness.
The accusers leaving, "older ones first" (John 8:9), perhaps suggests a greater awareness of their own sin accumulated over a lifetime, or simply reflects social hierarchy.
Jesus did not abolish the Law but fulfilled its deeper intent, emphasizing mercy alongside justice. He upholds the Law's standard against adultery but offers forgiveness.
Jesus' words "{{Neither do I condemn you}}" (John 8:11) are not an acquittal or condoning of sin, but a refusal to act as her judicial executioner in that moment. It is an act of mercy, offering a chance for repentance.
The command "{{Go now and leave your life of sin}}" (John 8:11) is crucial. Forgiveness is paired with the call to transformation and holiness.
This incident demonstrates Jesus' wisdom in handling conflict, his compassion towards sinners, and his authority to forgive while calling for repentance.

Jesus, the Light of the World

¹² Then Jesus spoke out again, "I am the light of the world! The one who follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."¹³ So the Pharisees objected, "You testify about yourself; your testimony is not true!"¹⁴ Jesus answered, "Even if I testify about myself, my testimony is true, because I know where I came from and where I am going. But you people do not know where I came from or where I am going.¹⁵ You people judge by outward appearances; I do not judge anyone.¹⁶ But if I judge, my evaluation is accurate, because I am not alone when I judge, but I and the Father who sent me do so together.¹⁷ It is written in your law that the testimony of two men is true .¹⁸ I testify about myself and the Father who sent me testifies about me."¹⁹ Then they began asking him, "Who is your father?" Jesus answered, "You do not know either me or my Father. If you knew me you would know my Father too."²⁰ (Jesus spoke these words near the offering box while he was teaching in the temple courts. No one seized him because his time had not yet come.)

Jesus' declaration "{{I am the light of the world}}" (John 8:12) is the second of the seven "I am" statements in John's Gospel, signifying his divine identity and role.
This statement likely occurred during or shortly after the Feast of Tabernacles, which involved a ceremonial lighting of giant lamps in the temple courts, symbolizing God's guidance (Shekinah glory) in the wilderness (Exodus 13:21-22). Jesus claims to be the true fulfillment of this symbol.
Light represents truth, knowledge, purity, and life in contrast to darkness, which represents ignorance, sin, and death (John 1:4-5, 9; John 3:19-21). Following Jesus means escaping spiritual darkness.
The Pharisees challenge Jesus based on legal procedure (Deuteronomy 19:15), arguing his self-testimony is invalid without corroborating witnesses.
Jesus counters that his testimony is valid because of his unique divine origin and destiny, which his opponents fail to grasp (John 8:14). His knowledge is self-authenticating.
Jesus contrasts their judgment based on superficial appearances ("human standards") with his own judgment, which is aligned with the Father's will and therefore true (John 8:15-16).
Jesus claims the Father as his second witness, fulfilling the Law's requirement (John 8:17-18). This is a claim to divine authority and unity with God.
The Pharisees' question "Where is your father?" (John 8:19) is likely a mocking reference to his earthly father or possibly insinuating illegitimate birth, but Jesus redirects it to their ignorance of his divine Father.
Knowing Jesus is intrinsically linked to knowing the Father (John 14:7-9). Rejection of Jesus is rejection of the Father who sent him.
The location ("near the place where the offerings were put," the treasury) was a public area in the Temple, yet Jesus was not arrested, highlighting divine sovereignty over the timing of events ("his hour had not yet come," John 7:30).

Jesus Foretells His Departure and Identity

²¹ Then Jesus said to them again, "I am going away, and you will look for me but will die in your sin. Where I am going you cannot come."²² So the Jewish leaders began to say, "Perhaps he is going to kill himself, because he says, 'Where I am going you cannot come.'"²³ Jesus replied, "You people are from below; I am from above. You people are from this world; I am not from this world.²⁴ Thus I told you that you will die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am he, you will die in your sins."²⁵ So they said to him, "Who are you?" Jesus replied, What I have told you from the beginning.²⁶ I have many things to say and to judge about you, but the Father who sent me is truthful, and the things I have heard from him I speak to the world."²⁷ (They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father.)²⁸ Then Jesus said, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and I do nothing on my own initiative, but I speak just what the Father taught me.²⁹ And the one who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, because I always do those things that please him."³⁰ While he was saying these things, many people believed in him.

Jesus again speaks of his departure (his ascension), which his opponents misunderstand as suicide (John 8:21-22), a death considered particularly shameful and damning.
Jesus contrasts their earthly origin ("from below," "of this world") with his heavenly origin ("from above," "not of this world"), emphasizing the fundamental difference in nature and perspective (John 8:23; John 3:31).
Belief in Jesus ("that I am he") is presented as essential for escaping condemnation ("die in your sins") (John 8:24). "I am he" (Greek: *ego eimi*) likely echoes the divine name from Exodus 3:14, a claim to divinity.
Their persistent question "Who are you?" (John 8:25) reveals their willful blindness despite Jesus' consistent teaching about his identity and mission.
Jesus affirms the reliability of the Father who sent him and declares that his message originates entirely from the Father (John 8:26).
The phrase "lifted up the Son of Man" (John 8:28) refers to Jesus' crucifixion (John 3:14, John 12:32-33), which paradoxically becomes the moment of his glorification and the ultimate revelation of his identity ("then you will know that I am he").
Jesus emphasizes his complete obedience to and unity with the Father: "{{I always do what pleases him}}" (John 8:29). This perfect obedience validates his claims.
Despite the hostility of the leaders, Jesus' words resonated with some in the crowd, leading them to believe (John 8:30). This highlights the dividing effect of Jesus' message.

True Discipleship and Spiritual Lineage

³¹ Then Jesus said to those Judeans who had believed him, "If you continue to follow my teaching, you are really my disciples³² and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."³³ "We are descendants of Abraham," they replied, "and have never been anyone's slaves! How can you say, 'You will become free'?"³⁴ Jesus answered them, "I tell you the solemn truth, everyone who practices sin is a slave of sin.³⁵ The slave does not remain in the family forever, but the son remains forever.³⁶ So if the son sets you free, you will be really free.³⁷ I know that you are Abraham's descendants. But you want to kill me, because my teaching makes no progress among you.³⁸ I am telling you the things I have seen while with the Father; as for you, practice the things you have heard from the Father!"

Jesus addresses those who had just expressed belief (John 8:30), defining true discipleship not merely as initial assent but as abiding ("hold to," "remain in") his teaching (John 8:31). Compare with John 15:4-7.
The result of abiding in Jesus' teaching is knowing the truth, which leads to genuine freedom (John 8:32). This truth encompasses Jesus himself and his revelation from the Father.
The Jews misunderstand Jesus' concept of freedom, interpreting it politically or socially. They proudly claim lineage from Abraham and deny ever being slaves (John 8:33), ignoring historical periods of bondage (Egypt, Babylon, Roman occupation).
Jesus clarifies that the slavery he speaks of is spiritual: slavery to sin (John 8:34). This is a universal condition apart from Christ (Romans 6:16-20).
He uses an analogy: a slave's position in a household is temporary and insecure, while a son's position is permanent and privileged (John 8:35). This relates to relationship with God.
True freedom comes only through the Son (Jesus), who has the authority to liberate people from sin's bondage (John 8:36). This freedom is comprehensive ("free indeed").
Jesus acknowledges their physical descent from Abraham but contrasts it with their spiritual reality, evidenced by their murderous intent towards him because his word finds no place in them (John 8:37).
Jesus starkly contrasts his source (the Father) with their source ("your father," whom he will later identify as the devil), setting up the conflict based on spiritual parentage (John 8:38).

Abraham's True Children vs. Children of the Devil

³⁹ They answered him, "Abraham is our father!" Jesus replied, If you are Abraham's children, you would be doing the deeds of Abraham.⁴⁰ But now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth I heard from God. Abraham did not do this!⁴¹ You people are doing the deeds of your father."⁴² Jesus replied, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come from God and am now here. I have not come on my own initiative, but he sent me.⁴³ Why don't you understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot accept my teaching.⁴⁴ You people are from your father the devil, and you want to do what your father desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies.⁴⁵ But because I am telling you the truth, you do not believe me.⁴⁶ Who among you can prove me guilty of any sin? If I am telling you the truth, why don't you believe me?⁴⁷ The one who belongs to God listens and responds to God's words. You don't listen and respond, because you don't belong to God."

The Jews reiterate their claim based on physical descent from Abraham (John 8:39).
Jesus challenges this, stating that true children of Abraham would exhibit Abraham's faith and actions, particularly welcoming God's messenger (Genesis 18), not seeking to kill him (John 8:39-40). See also Romans 4 and Galatians 3 regarding faith as the mark of Abraham's true children.
Their murderous intent proves they are doing the works of a different "father" (John 8:41).
Their claim "The only Father we have is God himself" (John 8:41) is a strong assertion of monotheism and covenant relationship, possibly also refuting any insinuation of Jesus about their spiritual parentage or his own legitimacy.
Jesus directly refutes their claim: If God were truly their Father, they would love Jesus, who came directly from God (John 8:42). Love for God is demonstrated by love for His Son.
Their inability to understand ("hear") Jesus' words stems from their fundamental spiritual alienation from God (John 8:43).
Jesus makes the shocking identification: their spiritual father is the devil (John 8:44). Their desire to kill Jesus aligns with the devil's nature as a "murderer from the beginning" (referencing Cain and Abel, or his role in bringing death into the world).
The devil is characterized as the source of lies, having rejected truth from the start (John 8:44). This contrasts sharply with Jesus who embodies and speaks truth from God.
The irony is highlighted: they reject Jesus precisely *because* he tells the truth (John 8:45). Their allegiance to falsehood makes them hostile to truth.
Jesus challenges them to find any sin in him, underlining his moral perfection and the truthfulness of his claims (John 8:46). Compare Hebrews 4:15.
The core issue is spiritual belonging: those who belong to God recognize and receive God's word (spoken through Jesus); those who don't belong to God cannot (John 8:47).

Jesus' Pre-existence and Divine Claim

⁴⁸ The Judeans replied, "Aren't we correct in saying that you are a Samaritan and are possessed by a demon?"⁴⁹ Jesus answered, "I am not possessed by a demon, but I honor my Father-and yet you dishonor me.⁵⁰ I am not trying to get praise for myself. There is one who demands it, and he also judges.⁵¹ I tell you the solemn truth, if anyone obeys my teaching, he will never see death."⁵² Then the Judeans responded, "Now we know you're possessed by a demon! Both Abraham and the prophets died, and yet you say, 'If anyone obeys my teaching, he will never experience death.'⁵³ You aren't greater than our father Abraham who died, are you? And the prophets died too! Who do you claim to be?"⁵⁴ Jesus replied, "If I glorify myself, my glory is worthless. The one who glorifies me is my Father, about whom you people say, 'He is our God.'⁵⁵ Yet you do not know him, but I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him, and I obey his teaching.⁵⁶ Your father Abraham was overjoyed to see my day, and he saw it and was glad."⁵⁷ Then the Judeans replied, "You are not yet fifty years old! Have you seen Abraham?"⁵⁸ Jesus said to them, "I tell you the solemn truth, before Abraham came into existence, I am!"⁵⁹ Then they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus was hidden from them and went out from the temple area.

Facing Jesus' claims, his opponents resort to slander: calling him a "Samaritan" (a term of contempt implying religious impurity and foreignness) and "demon-possessed" (attributing his power and words to demonic influence) (John 8:48). See Mark 3:22.
Jesus calmly denies being demon-possessed and contrasts his honoring of the Father with their dishonoring of him (John 8:49).
Jesus reiterates that his focus is not self-glory but the Father's glory, and the Father is the ultimate judge (John 8:50).
Jesus makes a profound promise: obeying his word leads to eternal life ("will never see death") (John 8:51). This refers to escaping spiritual and eternal death, not physical death.
His opponents misunderstand this literally, citing the deaths of Abraham and the prophets as proof that Jesus must be delusional or demon-possessed to make such a claim (John 8:52-53). Their question, "Who do you think you are?" demands he clarify his identity.
Jesus again points to the Father as the source of his glory (John 8:54) and contrasts his intimate knowledge of the Father with their ignorance, calling them liars for claiming God as Father while rejecting His Son (John 8:55).
Jesus claims Abraham foresaw and rejoiced in his (Jesus') coming ("my day") (John 8:56). This could refer to God's promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:3, Genesis 22:18) or a specific revelation. See Hebrews 11:13.
They again interpret Jesus literally and chronologically, scoffing at the idea that Jesus, not yet fifty, could have interacted with Abraham who lived centuries earlier (John 8:57).
Jesus delivers his most explicit claim to divinity in this chapter: "{{Very truly I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!}}" (John 8:58). The phrase "I am" (*ego eimi*) deliberately echoes God's self-revelation to Moses (Exodus 3:14), claiming eternal pre-existence and equality with God.
The Jews immediately understand this as blasphemy, the penalty for which was stoning (Leviticus 24:16). Their attempt to stone him confirms they grasped the divine claim Jesus was making (John 8:59).
Jesus miraculously escapes ("hid himself, slipping away"), again indicating that his "hour" determined by the Father had not yet arrived (John 8:20).

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John 8