The Light Of The World In Us

With the woman caught in adultery, in John, chapter 8, Jesus taught us something very important about mercy and forgiveness. Not only is this good for us with God as sinners, but it is good for us with people who we have sinned against. You see, we have two types of people here. We have Jesus who freely forgave this woman, while explaining to her that He is the light of the world. Then we also have the people that accused her of her sin, while ready to stone her to death. Both of these things are important to know. Jesus is our advocate with Father, that we may be forgiven. We are also His hands and feet while on earth. So we don’t go around condemning anyone, but only bring them to Jesus, that He may do a work in their lives. Now, to understand this story, we will now read it together…

¹John 8:1-12 (KJV)
1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Here we have Jesus explaining that nobody is sinless, but God alone. Therefore, who is it for us to try to cause judgement to fall upon the person who is fallen into sin? We have no right to do this but God alone, as Jesus said. Therefore, we have the accusers leaving one by one, dropping their rock which they planned to stone her with until only Jesus was left. And so we learn from the Lord that we are not to hold grudges, but leave it in the hands of Jesus. These people that accused the lady who had committed adultery did this, so why can’t we? But did they leave her alone? No. It is also good to share the good news of the gospel and lead the person in sin to Jesus. This way, while in prayer, He can speak to the person, like He did with this woman. Then, can they understand His mercy and grace for their lives, as they confess their sins openly, instead of judgement from our sinful lips. To make this clear, we give up all our grudges, walls we have built up, anger in our hearts, and heartache to the Lord. We freely forgive others as Jesus forgives us. This is what it means to be a disciple of Christ. We are His people, so we walk, talk, and act as He would. We also live our lives when nobody is looking as He would. Jesus is the Lord, our God, so we cry out to Him in our sins, that He may wash us clean in His blood.

My friends, listen to how Jesus spoke to the woman once again. It happened that, ¹“when Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:10-12) Now please just think about what took place here. The wrath of God could have been poured out upon her, but He instead forgave the woman. His mercy is for those people who are broken and are desiring a change of heart. Everyone that come unto Him, his love is extended, instead of judgement. He doesn’t accuse us of anything, but only welcomes us home. With this said, He freely forgives those people that believe in and follow Him. His only wish is that we abide in Him, that we no longer fall back into the same sinful lifestyle. To those things, He says, sin no more. He then helps us walk differently since He is able to cast out the darkness, and shine His light instead. Jesus is the light, and those that put their trust in Him, His light is in them also. Isn’t this so good? God is good to people that come unto Him in faith.

Let us pray:
Lord, help us live out a life that glorifies Your Name. We know that we are incapable of doing this on our own and need Your help to accomplish this. So we ask that You strengthen us in the Holy Spirit. Build us up in the Word of God, that we may know what You say and abide in it. Help us understand the need to pray and find answers to life’s questions, and also experience healing for our lives and others. You can do so much for people that will just put their trust in You. It is like Your arms are open all day long, and are waiting for people to just reach out to You in prayer. Then, will You take them home and transform their lives. Surely, only You, Jesus, is the light of the world. No darkness is found in You at all, which gives me hope of living a life that is much better than even now. I may not be the best person, but I strive to live for You, oh Lord. I know that I have fallen into sin, but I am so sorry for these times that the Spirit is grieved. I do not wish to hurt You and our relationship any longer, so I pray for Your forgiveness and mercy. Since light is found in You, cast out all the darkness in my life and other people that pray this prayer. Give us over to goodly things that only come from heaven. Fill our lives with things that will benefit Your kingdom. Help us have clean thoughts and also live out our lives with morals. I know that as I abide in You, I will not fall back into my bad habits or addictions, for with You they are no more. In my old man, I had these instincts, but now I have things that are Spirit-led to do, which brings me joy. I do not wish to experience any more temporary pleasure in things, but only experience Your love that lasts. I love You, God. I praise You, Lord. Amen.

John 8

¹John 8 (KJV)
1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
13 The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.
14 Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.
15 Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.
16 And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.
17 It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.
18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.
19 Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.
20 These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.
21 Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.
22 Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.
23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
25 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.
26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.
27 They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.
28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.
29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
30 As he spake these words, many believed on him.
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
33 They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
37 I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.
38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.
39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.
41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.
42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
47 He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
48 Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?
49 Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.
50 And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.
51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.
52 Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.
53 Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?
54 Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:
55 Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.
56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?
58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.