This chapter begins with a familiar story of two people caught in adultery - well, actually they only catch the woman and bring her before Jesus to see if he will condemn her to death by stoning as they said Moses had commanded in the Law. Jesus comes back with that great line that cuts to the heart of the matter by calling out that only those people who have no sins should throw the first stone. And so no stones are thrown of course. (Though Jesus could have thrown one, but he didn't!) He could have thrown the book at her but he didn't. What do you suppose he will do to you and me? I'll throw myself on the mercy of that court. In the end he sets her free and encourages her not to sin anymore. Might he say the same to us all!
In verse 12 we find one of the "I Am" sayings - "I am the light of the world." He goes on to affirm in verse 23 that he is not from this world. Watch as you read this gospel how often Jesus uses the phrase "I AM" which is reminiscent to the phrase God spoke to Moses claiming to be "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3.14) Who is Jesus for you?
Chapter 8 seems to highlight the tension and discourse between Jesus and the Jewish leaders who were opposed to him. Have you ever4 had arguments over issues of faith? How hard is it to convince someone to change their long-held beliefs? The chapter goes from angry people wanting to stone a woman to wanting to stone Jesus.
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