John chapter 8 reminds me of the worst feeling in the world. Hopelessness is devastating and can lead us to very dark places. Physical pain or even public humiliation can fade over time, but without hope everything becomes meaningless. Today’s chapter pierces the darkness for those caught in despair. We begin with a story that is often partially cited. Jesus sat down to teach in the Temple courts, surrounded by those needing to learn about God’s forgiveness. The religious leaders interrupted by bringing in “a woman caught in adultery”. They told Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery”. This was clearly a set-up, and she was being used as a pawn. “The Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They planned to force Jesus to choose between violating Jewish law or Roman authority; either could be cause for arrest. Jesus did not respond, but instead, “bent down and started to write on the ground with His finger”. I’m sure this puzzled those pushing for an immediate answer. What was Jesus writing? We do not know, but I love the thought that He was listing the names of the girlfriends of those present. Jesus stood and said, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her. Again He stooped down and wrote on the ground”. His doodles reminded each one of their own sin. At this, they began walking away, “the older ones first”. Eventually, “only Jesus was left”. He asked, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you? Then neither do I condemn you”. Here is the part often left out, “Go now and leave your life of sin”. He does not accept her behavior; He told her to stop. He judged it to be wrong, but He did not condemn her. She was given a new life. The first step in defeating hopelessness is to believe that God loves us no matter what we have done. It is never too late to receive His forgiveness.
Next Jesus spoke to the people, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”. Fear and anxiety intensify in the dark, because the truth is hidden. To those in despair, He says, “Follow Me!” The light of life offers a way out, and hope for tomorrow. Jesus then criticized the religious leaders for using the law as a weapon. “You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one.” Human standards always have a bias, but God’s standards apply equally to all. The day of judgement is coming, but today is the day of redemption. Friend, are you afraid of the light?
The religious leaders complained that the law required two or more witnesses to verify any testimony. Jesus said, “My other witness is the Father, who sent Me”. Messiah is revealed throughout scripture, and in every Jewish feast and festival. When they pressed Him further, He rebuked them, “You do not know Me or My Father”. The arrogance of the Jewish leaders would not allow them to see their own corruption. They considered themselves above the common man. Jesus said, “Everyone who sins is a slave to sin”. They could not conceive of themselves as slaves, or sinners. He continued, “you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil… for he is a liar and the father of lies”. He was publically calling out their hypocrisy. Moreover, Jesus told them they too needed to repent, “whoever obeys My word will never see death”. They could not take it any longer, they demanded, “Who do You think You are?” Jesus was very clear in His answer, “Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing My day… before Abraham was born, I am!” This was a claim to be God. The single greatest antidote for hopelessness is the knowledge that Jesus loves you enough to die to free you. You are valuable to Him, and the resurrection is His proof.