Read John 6 -- 8
In Today's Reading:
Feeding 5,000; Jesus, the Bread of Life; Feast of Tabernacles; Jesus forgives the adulteress; Jesus, the Light of the world
Jesus entered into the Temple (Court), and all the people came to Him; and He sat down, and taught them (John 8:2). Jesus was rudely interrupted by the scribes and Pharisees who brought to Him a woman. . . . They said to Him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the Law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what do You say? (8:3-5). They brought this woman to Jesus, not because they were shocked at her conduct or grieved that the Law of God had been broken, but that they might have (a reason) to accuse Him (8:6). Had He said: Let her go, they could accuse Him of compromising with sin and breaking the Mosaic Law. If He said: Stone her, He would break Roman law and be accountable to Rome.
Jesus brought conviction to each one of the woman's accusers when He said: He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her (8:7). And they which heard it . . . went out one by one, beginning at the eldest . . . Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst (8:9). Then Jesus said to her: Woman, where are . . . your accusers? has no man condemned you? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said to her, Neither do I condemn you: go, and sin no more (8:10-11). Following this hypocritical interruption by these self-righteous religious leaders, Jesus resumed His teaching, saying: I am the Light of the World: he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the Light of life (8:12).
It is possible to follow the Light of the World for the wrong motives. During a time when someone faces a prison sentence or terminal cancer, they may appear to sincerely accept Jesus as Savior and Lord. However, let health return, or let there be a change of circumstances for the better, and their true motive becomes evident. All who were truly born again remain faithful. Others will be seen as once-zealous professors of faith as they revert to their self-centered ways. Such people are only temporarily "reformed" and have not been transformed by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2). In striking contrast with the hypocrites are those who, regardless of circumstance, remain faithful to Jesus. Whoso keeps His Word, in him verily (truly) is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him (I John 2:5).
Word Studies:
6:24 took shipping = got into boats.
Cross References:
For John 6:31: See Exodus 16:4; Psalm 78:24. John 6:45: See Isaiah 54:13.
Prayer Needs:
BP Staff: Dr. John A. Hash · Pray for Bible Pathway Distributors · Government Officials: Rep. Philip Crane (IL) and Rep. Lynn Woolsey (CA) · Country: Botswana (1 million) in southern Africa · Major languages: English and Setswana · Limited religious freedom because of local chiefs · 49% animist; 21% Protestant; 4% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Ask for the blessings of God upon your family and home (II Samuel 7:29).
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 5:16