John 8:1-11


"But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, 'Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?' This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, 'Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.' And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus stood up and said to her, 'Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?' She said, 'No one, Lord.' And Jesus said, 'Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.'" (John 8:1-11 ESV)


Grace and Truth in Jesus

This passage beautifully reveals both the grace and truth found in Jesus Christ. The religious leaders sought to trap Jesus by presenting Him with a dilemma—would He uphold the law of Moses and condemn the woman, or would He contradict the law and show leniency? Jesus, however, neither denies the law nor overlooks the woman's sin. Instead, He offers a response that exposes the hypocrisy of her accusers: "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her" (v. 7).

By doing so, Jesus turns the focus from the woman’s guilt to the personal sin of each accuser. The result is powerful: one by one, they leave, realizing they too are guilty. Jesus’ approach demonstrates both His perfect understanding of justice and His deep compassion. He does not condone sin, yet He also offers mercy. When no one remains to condemn her, Jesus tells the woman, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more" (v. 11). This statement embodies the heart of the gospel—grace extended with a call to repentance and transformation.

Scriptures to Study:

Psalm 103:8-12, Romans 3:23-24, John 1:14, Ephesians 2:8-10


The Role of the Law and Conviction of Sin

The scribes and Pharisees used the law as a tool to condemn, but Jesus uses it to convict hearts. The law reveals sin, but it cannot save us from it. Jesus came not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). The encounter between Jesus, the woman, and her accusers illustrates how the law, when used properly, brings us to the recognition of our need for a Savior. None of the accusers were able to cast the first stone because they were all convicted of their own sin.

This is where the Holy Spirit plays a vital role in the life of a believer. The Spirit convicts us of sin, pointing us to Jesus who offers forgiveness and the power to change. Just as Jesus told the woman to "sin no more," He calls us to turn away from sin. The law convicts, but it is the grace and power of the Holy Spirit that enables us to live in righteousness.

Scriptures to Study:

Romans 7:7-12, Galatians 3:10-14, John 16:8-11, Romans 8:1-4


Forgiveness and Transformation Through Christ

Jesus' final words to the woman, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more" (v. 11), encapsulate the transformative power of His forgiveness. When we encounter the mercy of Christ, it leads not just to forgiveness but to a new way of life. Jesus did not merely forgive the woman and leave her unchanged; He called her to leave her life of sin. This is the essence of discipleship—being forgiven and then being transformed by the Holy Spirit to live a life that honors God.

For believers, this passage is a reminder that no sin is beyond Christ’s forgiveness, but also that forgiveness comes with a call to holiness. The grace of God should never be taken lightly; it empowers us to turn from sin and walk in the light of Christ. True discipleship is a response to the incredible grace we have received, leading to a life that bears fruit in keeping with repentance (Luke 3:8).

Scriptures to Study:

2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 John 1:9, Titus 2:11-12, Romans 6:1-4


Summary of Key Points


Life Application Questions