An Omitted Passage?
Dave Riddle 9/12/2021
Key passage: John 7:53-8:11
Not included in most of the oldest manuscripts.
not commented on by the early church fathers until the 10th century.
Writing style is more like that of the synoptic gospels than that of John.
Nobody likes getting caught at fault.
The standard for this accusation was fairly high.
the quality of the evidence and the quality of the witnesses were both important.
John 8:4 - this woman was caught in the act.
Where’s the man? Possibly a trap?
The law says… what do you say?
they were not telling the full truth.
Leviticus 20, Deuteronomy 22
Where is the man?
Only the Romans had authority to enact capital punishment.
“What do you say Jesus?”
Lots of people were participating in adultery.
“Do they all deserve this punishment Jesus?”
They were trying to trap Jesus with a difficult situation.
“We’ve got him! There is no right answer.”
How Does Jesus Respond?
John 8:6
He ignores it.
He has another plan.
What did he write?
The sins of the accusers?
His official sentencing of the accused?
Exodus 23:1?
Do not spread false reports…Don’t help a wicked man by being a false witness.
A warning to the accusers.
We don’t know.
The accusers are just as guilty as the woman.
Busted! Caught in the act!
Nobody picks up a rock.
Who is left?
The only one who could rightfully pick up a rock.
This is the story of YOU and me!
we all stand before a holy God as broken people who have been caught in the act.
Jesus didn’t condemn her and he doesn’t condemn you!
“Go and sin no more”
He didn’t condemn her, but he also didn’t condone her sin.
We don’t know how she responded.
How will you respond?
John 3:16-17 - He came, not to condemn, but to save!
When we deserved the “rock of execution” he became the “rock of our salvation”.