John 8 - Light of the World

Here we read the encounter of Jesus and the woman caught in adultery. There is so much happening in this story, and commentaries are full of context, thoughts, and details. Take a moment and read 1-12.

So much jumped out, and I found interesting this morning. However, I want to focus on the final words Jesus shared with the woman, and then the first words that Jesus shared when the woman left (assuming she left.)

“...Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” - ‭‭John‬ ‭8:9-11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” - ‭‭John‬ ‭8:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus tells the woman to go, then tells the crowd to follow Him. This seems odd. It is also really interesting that the priests and the leaders were excited and thrilled to condemn, but Jesus seemed thrilled and excited to love and forgive. 

The CJB (Complete Jewish Bible) says this;

“Yeshua spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light which gives life.” - ‭‭Yochanan (Jhn)‬ ‭8:12‬ ‭CJB‬‬

Jesus is the light of the world. Whoever follows Jesus will never walk in darkness, but will have the light which gives life. There is nothing about this statement from Jesus that sounds condemning. Putting these thoughts and verses together; Go now and leave your life of sin. Follow me and never walk in darkness. 

Jesus modeled love to the woman, and He taught the Pharisees at the same time. Paul preached and talked about this very thing in Romans. 

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” - ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:1-2‬ ‭NIV‬‬