Scripture Reading: John 8:2-12

Come or Leave?

Intro.

1. One of the many problems with rash, stereotypical judgments (prejudice, bias) is that one develops only one-perspective, and fails to entertain any variation from it, cf. Jno. 7:52 (1:46).

2. Such unrighteous judgments result from pride, and reinforce faulty conclusions that can literally last a lifetime, and will shape one’s eternity, Lk. 18:9-14.

3. Jno. 8:1-12: In this text, Jesus prevented an unrighteous judgment against a sinner and against Himself. The way He did so gives cause for introspection and self-examination of one’s decisions toward Him.

I. SOME COME TO JESUS TO LEARN, Jno. 8:1-2; Matt. 11:28-30.

A. The Crowds of People Heard Jesus Gladly, Mk. 12:37. (polus: many)

1. Open hearts, Lk. 8:15; Acts 17:11-12.

2. Expectation, Mk. 11:9-10 (Psa. 118:25-26) – “Save now!”

3. Determined to be better, to do better, Jno. 6:68.

B. We Must Sit Down at Jesus’ Feet to Learn from Him, Jno. 8:2.

-Humble learners, not skeptical questioners.

II. SOME COME TO JESUS TO ACCUSE HIM, Jno. 8:3-6.

A. These have Prejudiced Minds and Evil Motives, cf. Lk. 11:52-54.

1. Minds are made up ahead of time, Jno. 8:3-6 (esp. v. 6).

2. Hardened and self-righteous, minds were made up, cf. Rom. 10:3 (Isa. 65:2-5).

3. LOM on addressing the sin of adultery, Jno. 8:4-5:

a. Death of both parties, Lev. 20:10.

b. To put away evil from Israel, Deut. 22:22.

c. Death penalty only with 2-3 witnesses, Deut. 19:15-21 (17:6).

d. Witnesses the first to cast the stones of death, Deut. 17:7.

B. Prejudice and Evil Speaking against Brethren is Sin against God, Jas. 4:11-12. (backbiting, gossip, slander: accusations without foundation that besmirch character and injury reputation)

III. SOME LEAVE JESUS, AND REMAIN IN THEIR SIN, Jno. 8:7-9.

A. Jesus Exposed their Sin, Yet they would not Repent.

1. “Without sin”: “...the words of Jesus impressed upon them the truth that freedom from the outward act (of adultery, jrp) did not imply inward purity or sinlessness – Matt. 5:27-28” (J. W. McGarvey, Fourfold Gospel, 452). Jno. 8:7; Matt. 23:26

2. They sinned against the woman, Jno 8:4.

3. They sinned against Jesus, Jno. 8:6.

4. They sinned against God (evil hearts), Jno. 8:9.

B. In Spite of Knowing their Sin, Many People Still Turn Away and Leave Jesus.

1. Believers who loved the praises of men, Jno. 12:37, 42-43.

2. Disciples who complained about truth, Jno. 6:41, 60-61, 66.

3. cf. Ruth, who would not leave Naomi, Ruth 1:16-17. We must not leave Jesus – for anything.

IV. SOME LEAVE, BEING FORGIVEN BY GOD AND WITH FAITH IN JESUS, Jno. 8:10-12.

A. The Judgments of Men v. the Judgments of God, 8:10-11.

1. They accused her, but could not properly condemn her, 8:10.

2. Jesus did not accuse her; He forgave her instead of damning her for her sin, 8:11.

-Jesus still forgives – According to His will (Plan of salvation).

3. Jesus commanded moral purity, 8:11.

a. Jesus never told someone to stay in sin and be blessed for it.

b. There are doctrines of men that do so, cf. Jude 4.

4. We must all follow Jesus and walk in light to have life, Jno. 8:12.

Conclusion

1. Decision time: Who will (do) you follow? Jno. 8:12

a. Will you come to Jesus to learn, repent and then leave to live by following Him?

b. Or, will you come to accuse and to complain, and then leave in sin, honoring yourself instead of Jesus?

2. To follow Jesus means to “go and sin no more” (8:11).

By: Joe R. Price

Posted: April 28, 2017