John
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John 8
John 8
1but Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
1Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
Commentary · verse 1
2And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
2And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
Commentary · verse 2
Jesus began teaching people early in the morning and all the people came unto Him.
3And the scribes and the Pharisees bring a woman taken in adultery; and having set her in the midst, 4they say unto him, Teacher, this woman hath been taken in adultery, in the very act.
3And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
4They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
Commentary · verses 3-4
The scribes and Pharisees brought a woman, who was caught in the act of adultery, to Jesus. Notice, they did not bring the man to Jesus, even though he was obviously there because she was caught in the very act. Was it possible that this situation was intentionally set up by the Pharisees in order for the Pharisees to put Jesus on trial?
5Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such: what then sayest thou of her?
5Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
Commentary · verse 5
They tempted/tested Jesus by telling Him what the Law said and then asking Him what He would do with her. If Jesus prevented people from stoning her, He would be violating the Law. If He encouraged people to stone her, He would be accused of usurping authority from the Romans. He would also be violating His widening of Doctrine towards forgiveness, which was usurping the authority of the Pharisees concerning Doctrine. The Pharisees believed they had perfectly trapped Jesus.
6And this they said, trying him, that they might have whereof to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground.
6This 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.
Commentary · verse 6
Jesus' first response was to say nothing and write with his finger on the ground.
7But 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.
7So 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.
Commentary · verse 7
Jesus did not disagree with them, Jesus actually gave them a way that they could stone her but none of them were without sin. In order for someone to stone her, they would have to explain how they were without sin.
8And again he stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground.
8And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
Commentary · verse 8
Jesus went back to writing on the ground.
9And they, when they heard it, went out one by one, beginning from the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the midst.
9And 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.
Commentary · verse 9
The KJV translated this passage "And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience..." Jesus' words convicted them by their own conscience.
Doctrine: Conviction is focused on the action, not the person. These people realized the action they wanted to do was wrong. Nothing would have dispersed the crowd more completely.
Doctrines on this passage
10And Jesus lifted up himself, and said unto her, Woman, where are they? did no man condemn thee?
11And she said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said, Neither do I condemn thee: go thy way; from henceforth sin no more.]
10When 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?
11She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
Commentary · verses 10-11
Doctrine: Condemnation is focused on the person. It is a value judgment of the person. The Holy Spirit convicts people. He will focus on your actions. Satan condemns people. He focuses on judging the person. Jesus stated the other people were condemning her, and He was not. However, Jesus then focused on convicting her: Jesus told her to go and sin no more. Jesus never justified the woman's sin. Regardless of whether or not the Pharisees set up this situation, the woman was an adulteress or Jesus would not have told her to "sin no more."
12Again therefore Jesus spake unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.
12Then 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.
Commentary · verse 12
Jesus is the light of the world. Those who follow Jesus shall have the light of life: energy from God to repair.
13The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest witness of thyself; thy witness is not true.
13The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.
Commentary · verse 13
The Pharisees knew the Doctrine that a prophet and the Messiah could not directly justify Himself to people. However, Jesus' statement was indirect.
14Jesus answered and said unto them, Even if I bear witness of myself, my witness is true; for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye know not whence I come, or whither I go.
14Jesus 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.
Commentary · verse 14
Jesus stated that even if He did bear witness of Himself, it would be true. However, Jesus did not bear witness of Himself.
15Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.
15Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.
Commentary · verse 15
Jesus judged no man while He was on earth - John 3:17. Jesus did not come to condemn.
16Yea and if I judge, my judgment is true; for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.
17Yea and in your law it is written, that the witness of two men is true.
16And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.
17It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.
Commentary · verses 16-17
Jesus referenced Deuteronomy 17:6.
18I am he that beareth witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.
19They said therefore unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye know neither me, nor my Father: if ye knew me, ye would know my Father also.
18I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.
19Then 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.
Commentary · verses 18-19
Jesus explained why Him bearing witness of Himself wouldn't be prideful: because it would be the Father bearing witness of Jesus through Jesus because Jesus only did what the Father told Him to do, which was grace. Again, Jesus was speaking indirectly. Jesus did not state the Father was God. The Pharisees tried to get Him to state that. Jesus' response was to tell them they did not know the Father. Jesus indirectly told the religious leaders of His time they did not know God.
20These words spake he in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man took him; because his hour was not yet come.
20These 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.
Commentary · verse 20
Jesus was becoming much more bold during the final six months of His public ministry.
21He said therefore again unto them, I go away, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sin: whither I go, ye cannot come.
21Then 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.
Commentary · verse 21
Again, Jesus made an indirect statement about being the Son of God.
22The Jews therefore said, Will he kill himself, that he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come?
23And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
22Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.
23And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
Commentary · verses 22-23
Again, Jesus made an indirect statement about being the Son of God. Also, Jesus continued to show people the difference between the physical and the spiritual.
24I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for except ye believe that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
24I 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.
Commentary · verse 24
Another indirect statement about being the Son of God.
25They said therefore unto him, Who art thou? Jesus said unto them, Even that which I have also spoken unto you from the beginning.
26I have many things to speak and to judge concerning you: howbeit he that sent me is true; and the things which I heard from him, these speak I unto the world.
27They perceived not that he spake to them of the Father.
25Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.
26I 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.
27They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.
Commentary · verses 25-27
The people asked Him to state it plainly, but Jesus continued to make indirect statements about being the Son of God. This showed Jesus had not stated plainly that He was the Son of God.
28Jesus therefore said, 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 the Father taught me, I speak these things.
28Then 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.
Commentary · verse 28
Here was the proof that Jesus' bearing witness of Himself would not have been prideful.
Doctrine: Jesus did nothing of Himself but only what the Father taught Him. This was the definition of grace: the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life. Jesus did not do anything out of His own God Nature. He operated in His human nature and let God's influence work through Him. It is possible for us to do this as well.
29And he that sent me is with me; he hath not left me alone; for I do always the things that are pleasing to him.
29And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
Commentary · verse 29
Doctrine: Jesus always did what pleased the Father. Hebrews 11:6 - "But without faith it is impossible to please Him..." Jesus' actions were always an effect of His faith in God the Father.
Doctrines on this passage
30As he spake these things, many believed on him.
30As he spake these words, many believed on him.
Commentary · verse 30
Many believed because of the words Jesus spoke. There were people who understood what Jesus' indirect statements meant.
31Jesus therefore said to those Jews that had believed him, If ye abide in my word, then are ye truly my disciples; 32and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
33They answered unto him, We are Abraham’s seed, and have never yet been in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
34Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Every one that committeth sin is the bondservant of sin.
31Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
33They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
34Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
Commentary · verses 31-34
Doctrine: Man is in bondage because of the sin man commits. Jesus offered a way to be released of that bondage: abide (live) in His Word. Notice, these people believed on Jesus and Jesus responded by turning up the tension on these "believers."
35And the bondservant abideth not in the house for ever: the son abideth for ever.
36If therefore the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
37I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; yet ye seek to kill me, because my word hath not free course in you.
38I speak the things which I have seen with my Father: and ye also do the things which ye heard from your father.
39They answered and said unto him, Our father is Abraham. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
35And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
36If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
37I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.
38I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.
39They 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.
Commentary · verses 35-39
Jesus told them that if they were Abraham's children, they would do the works of Abraham (by faith - Hebrews 11:8-19). These people did not see God as their Father. They saw Abraham as their Father.
40But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I heard from God: this did not Abraham.
40But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.
Commentary · verse 40
This was the most direct statement Jesus made during this discussion. Jesus blatantly stated He had been telling them the truth He heard from God. Jesus also stated that Abraham did not do this. Jesus had addressed every loose end in this discussion. Notice, Jesus did not state directly/plainly that He was the Son of God in this sentence. However, the crowd could take the previous part of this discussion and substitute "God the Father" in for every time Jesus said "Father" and realize Jesus was stating He was the Son of God.
41Ye do the works of your father. They said unto him, We were not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.
41Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.
Commentary · verse 41
These "believers" just told Jesus that He was born of fornication. They apparently knew Joseph was not His Father, either previous to this discussion or because of the discussion. Jesus had just shown them that claiming Abraham as Father was misguided. These people now wanted to claim God as their Father...and because they were more focused on being right, they wanted to see Jesus as not having claimed God as His Father. This was the moment when the people made a critical mistake in their thinking and would prove they were actually not believers.
42Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I came forth and am come from God; for neither have I come of myself, but he sent me.
42Jesus 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.
Commentary · verse 42
Again, Jesus did not directly/plainly say God was His Father or that He was the Son of God in this sentence. However, this sentence was now the most direct/plain statement Jesus had made during this discussion. The people should have understood what Jesus was saying because He had tied up every loose end with this sentence.
43Why do ye not understand my speech? Even because ye cannot hear my word.
43Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
Commentary · verse 43
Jesus was completely aware that He had said enough for everyone to believe He had stated He was the Son of God, without directly/plainly stating "I am the Son of God." Jesus concluded their inability to understand was because they could not hear His word because...
44Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and standeth 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 thereof.
44Ye 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.
Commentary · verse 44
Jesus stated they were not believers because their father was the devil!
Doctrine: There is no truth in the devil. The devil can state facts. So, truth has to be something different than facts.
- A fact is a right WHAT: knowledge. The devil puffed up in pride because of knowledge. The devil cannot create. He can only destroy. Truth is more than facts and it creates. Truth is facts that create (a right WHAT with a right HOW/WHY).
- A right WHY is understanding. Understanding creates new knowledge. The devil has knowledge but no understanding. Faith is built by understanding and experience. The devil does not have faith.
- A right HOW is wisdom: an action that creates. The devil does not have wisdom.
45But because I say the truth, ye believe me not.
46Which of you convicteth me of sin? If I say truth, why do ye not believe me?
47He that is of God heareth the words of God: for this cause ye hear them not, because ye are not of God.
45And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
46Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
47He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
Commentary · verses 45-47
Jesus presented a short proof: Jesus spoke truth and they did not believe. They did not prove He sinned. Those who ARE of God have the ability to understand God's Words. So it must be that those who are not of God will not understand the Words of God.
Doctrines on this passage
48The Jews answered and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a demon?
48Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?
Commentary · verse 48
The Jews looked for a way to ignore Jesus' proof. Their method was to get Jesus to admit He was a Samaritan (the Jews' enemy) and that He had a demon. They must have been really desperate.
49Jesus answered, I have not a demon; but I honor my Father, and ye dishonor me.
49Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.
Commentary · verse 49
Jesus directly/plainly answered the demon question.
50But I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.
51Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my word, he shall never see death.
50And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.
51Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.
Commentary · verses 50-51
Jesus reiterated that He did not seek His own glory. Then He made an indirect statement as to His Deity.
52The Jews said unto him, Now we know that thou hast a demon. Abraham died, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my word, he shall never taste of death.
52Then 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.
Commentary · verse 52
These Jews did not understand Jesus, either because they did not understand eternal life or they were so upset they were not able to think clearly.
53Art thou greater than our father Abraham, who died? and the prophets died: whom makest thou thyself?
53Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?
Commentary · verse 53
These Jews asked Jesus if He was greater than Abraham and the prophets. The answer was yes, however, Jesus had to be careful not to answer this directly/plainly.
54Jesus answered, If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing: it is my Father that glorifieth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God; 55and ye have not known him: but I know him; and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be like unto you, a liar: but I know him, and keep his word.
54Jesus 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:
55Yet 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.
Commentary · verses 54-55
This complicated answer was made up of two if statements:
- The first IF addressed Jesus' ability to answer yes directly/plainly. He could not because that would be prideful. However, notice the reason why He did not glorify Himself: Jesus said it was His Father who glorified Him and the identity of His Father was, according to the Jews' words, their God. That was about as close as Jesus ever came to directly saying He was the Son of God. He said He was the Son of the person the Jews said was their God. Jesus also made a parenthetical comment that these Jews did not even know the one they claimed was God and Jesus did know the one they claimed was God, without directly/plainly saying the Father was God.
- The second IF statement addressed Jesus' inability to directly/plainly answer no to whether He was greater than Abraham and the prophets. Jesus explained why He could not directly/plainly answer yes or no to their question, while answering yes indirectly with the reason being that He was the Son of their God.
56Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day; and he saw it, and was glad.
56Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
Commentary · verse 56
Jesus' indirect answer was that Abraham rejoiced to see Jesus' time, Abraham saw it, and it made Abraham glad.
57The Jews therefore said unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?
57Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?
Commentary · verse 57
The Jews stated Jesus was not even fifty years old (which was the retirement age for those in service to God) and then asked if He had seen Abraham. They were not ready for the answer they would get.
58Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was born, I am.
58Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
Commentary · verse 58
Doctrine: Jesus was from the beginning. "Before Abraham was, I AM (Yahweh)." Jesus essentially stated He was GOD. This still was not a direct/plain statement that He was the Son of God.
59They took up stones therefore to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple.
59Then 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.
Commentary · verse 59
Jesus had stated He was greater than Abraham (and the prophets) and the people tried to stone Him. This chapter began with a mob trying to stone an adulteress in the temple and Jesus finding a way for her to avoid it. Here, it ended with the mob trying to stone Jesus in the temple and Jesus avoiding it.
The Pharisees were separated, each going to his own house. Jesus took His Disciples (perhaps for the first time) to the mount of Olives. Jesus now had access to Jerusalem and for the final six months of His public ministry.