John 7:53–8:20, The Reason We Must Believe, Even if It Seems Like Presumption
This is a passage that makes one think deeply. The tension between Jesus and the Pharisees is sharply increasing. Jesus seems to have no intention of easing the tension. Though they say the sticking-out nail gets hammered, Jesus continues to do what the Pharisees consider provocative acts. The Pharisees are also actively seeking grounds to attack Jesus. Now, they intentionally create a trap to ensnare Jesus. They brought a woman caught in the act of adultery. It’s unclear if the scene itself was a trap, but the possibility is high given that only the woman was caught at the scene and the man was missing. Nevertheless, from the woman’s perspective, there seems to be no other option but to be stoned to death.
For the Pharisees, this was a card that could put a stop to Jesus’ soaring popularity. If Jesus told the people not to throw stones at the woman, they could make those stones fly at Jesus instead, as it would clearly mean he was breaking the Law of Moses. On the other hand, if people witnessed the sight of the woman being stoned to death, they would think Jesus was nothing special. But here, Jesus made those who tried to trap him fall into their own trap. He said, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7, NIV). In an instant, he turned their gaze from the object of condemnation to themselves. When a person who sees their own sin throws a stone at another’s sin, that stone is simultaneously poised to fly back at themselves. Therefore, who would dare to throw a stone?
The people who quietly laid down their stones and left were the same people who had brought the woman, pulling her by the hair, with such arrogance and self-confidence. But they changed in an instant. It was a change brought about by a single word from Jesus that made them examine themselves. Their intention to test and condemn Jesus was frustrated, and instead, they fell into the test and left the scene.
Jesus proclaimed to the woman that he did not condemn her. Here, some might want to argue how the forgiveness of sins could be proclaimed when the woman had not repented. Let us simply accept it as so because the Creator has forgiven her. What kind of life would the woman, who received the Creator’s forgiveness, live afterward? Since the Lord told her not to sin again, she would have done her best to strive to stay away from sin. However, social stigma and labeling would probably have followed her all her life. How could a sinner whose identity was exposed live a smooth and free life? Yet, she was at least forgiven by the Creator. In contrast, those who laid down their stones and left probably lived well without any problems in the society they belonged to. However, they had insight into their own sin but did not receive the Creator’s forgiveness. Who, indeed, lived a freer life?
Following this incident, Jesus 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 always reveals who he is, hoping that people will respond rightly to that revelation and gain life. According to this revelation, the woman is living in the light of life even though she lives in the dark places of the world, while the Pharisees are living in spiritual darkness even though they live in the bright places of the world.
The Pharisees again pick a fight with Jesus concerning his revelation. “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid” (John 8:13, NIV). This point is reasonable. A mature person does not promote themselves by their own words. No matter how humble one is, it is only credible if others say so; if one promotes oneself as humble, it is tactless. Yet, Jesus says, “I am gentle and humble.” This is a presumptuous and arrogant statement. If he says, “I am the light of the world,” it’s hard to flatly deny it, but it’s also a bit offensive to accept. That’s why they ask who can vouch for that statement.
Jesus’ reply to this question is exquisite. He says that his Father is his witness, but even without God’s testimony, his testimony is valid. The basis for this is that “I know where I came from and where I am going” (John 8:14, NIV). These are words beyond the realm of what a human can say. They are words that cannot be uttered even as a bluff. No one has been able to say this since the beginning of time, and no one will be able to in the future. If I were ever given the opportunity to converse with Nietzsche, I would definitely want to ask him what he thinks about this statement. Jesus accurately knows the scenes connected to the front and back of visible life. Because he is such a person, his words are trustworthy enough. Because he is such a person, he is trustworthy enough to commit oneself to. Because he is such a person, one wants to draw close to him and be covered by the light.
Lord, I long to drive out the darkness and live in the light within your presence. Though I cannot know where I came from and where I am going as you do, I pray that I may at least live with an unwavering hope concerning my destination. Amen.