The Strand Study Bible

JOHN

JOHN

1741

agree it is probably a part of true oral tradition and thus a rare extrabiblical authentic belief about Jesus (Jn 21:25). NOTE – There are two schools of thought concerning this passage (John 7:53–8:11). Because the “earliest” manuscripts do not include John 7:53–8:11, the newer versions (like the NIV) will state in brackets that it is not reliable reading. John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck in The Bible Knowledge Commentary note: Almost all texual scholars agree that these verses were not part of the original manuscript of the Gospel of John. 1 The other school of thought believes that the “earliest” manuscripts (which come from the Egyptian Alexandrian Text , called the Critical Text ,) are not as accurate as the older manuscripts (which come from the Antioch Byzantine Text , called the Received Text, i.e., Textus Receptus ). This school accepts John 7:53–8:11 as part of the original manuscript and thus reliable reading (See – pp. viii-ix – HOWWE GOT OUR BIBLE ). 8:4 Here this woman stood, no doubt naked (I mean she was taken in the very act ), and I’m sure Jesus’ first thought was, “Ok, so where’s the man? I mean, if she was taken in the very act , there had to be a man. So where’s the man?” 8:5 Jesus must have thought again, “Ok, so where’s the man? If such should be stoned according to Scripture (Lev 20:10), where is the man?” NOTE – This passage of scripture is such an important passage when it comes to understanding forgiveness ( Lk 17:3,4 ). We know Jesus forgave her (He said unto her, “ Neither do I condemn thee. ”). Question is: What was the process by which He went about in order to forgive her? There are five observations that we can make from this incident concerning true forgiveness: Observation #1 – When approaching another human being that has erred, we should do it reluctantly , not happily (vs 6 and Ezk 25). According to Ezekiel 25, there are four things that anger God greatly: 1. Rejoicing (being happy) over the destruction of others (Ezk 25:3, Prov 24:17-18, Job 31:29-30, Obad 10-14 and Exo 23:4-5). 2. Despising God’s people (Ezk 25:8). No matter how awful God’s people are, they are still God’s people. 3. Getting even (Ezk 25:12). People who carry nooses (grudges) anger God (Deut 32:35, Prov 20:22/I Sam 24:1-7, Mt 5:39, Rom 12:14,17-21, I Thess 5:15 and I Pet 3:8-9). 4. Refusing to forgive (Ezk 25:15). He that can’t forgive can’t be forgiven (Mt 6:15). NOTE – Jesus didn’t rush to judgment against this woman, although she was obviously in the wrong. There is always more to a story than what you’re being told, and Jesus knew it. Observation #2 – When approaching another human being that has erred, we should do it spiritually , not fleshly (vs 7 and Gal 6:1) Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting to remember; it means remembering to forget; and it takes spirituality to remember to forget. We must remind ourselves continually that it’s hard to throw stones when you live in a glass house. Sadly, most of us forget that we live in glass houses, thus we respond carnally towards those who have sinned instead of spiritually. Observation #3 –When approaching another human being that has erred, we should do it privately , not publicly (vs 9 andMt 18:15) Our goal when forgiving is not to embarrass people, but to help them get back to where they once were (II Sam 12:1-13). Observation #4 – When approaching another human being that has erred, we should do it restoratively , not punitively (vs 10 and Prov 24:17-18) Instead of punishing her, Jesus’ desire was to restore her. Our goal when forgiving is to not hold other people’s failures against them, but to release the desire to get even or the “right” to require him/her to pay for what he/ she has done. Observation #5 – When approaching another human being that has erred, we should do it humbly , not arrogantly and self- righteously (vs 11 and Mt 7:3-5) Forgiveness is not earned; it’s given. The reason a lot Christians respond arrogantly and self-righteously towards those who have sinned is because they think they deserve an apology, when in fact they owe the sinner the right to make things right, just like God did with us. God offers His forgiveness; He’s never put it up for sale. Thus, we cannot earn God’s forgiveness; we can only receive it (Jn 1:12). Question: Are you reluctant to see someone hang or are you the type that can’t wait to hang people? Are you the type that desires to restore the sinner privately or are you the type that can’t wait to punish them publicly? Are you righteous or self-righteous? A truly righteous person stores up forgiveness and is ready to dispense that forgiveness at any given moment. Is forgiveness stored up within you or does your forgiveness have to be earned? Are you a spiritual philanthropist or a spiritual Pharisee? When it comes to forgiveness, don’t forget the three “ R ’ s ”: * a reluctance to judge * a willingness to restore * a righteous attitude. A righteous attitude is when forgiveness is given, not earned 8:11 If you stumbled today ( Master, this woman was taken in adulter y – vs 4), remember where and how it felt ( Woman, where are those thine accusers – vs 10). Then, tomorrow, take a different path ( go, and sin no more ).

1 John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck. The Bible Knowledge Commentary , USA, Scripture Press Pub., 1983. Print