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John 8 – Go and sin no more

Dec2

Good day everyone, and welcome back to our journey through the book of John! 😊 Today we’re diving into chapter 8, and my prayer is that as we reflect together, God’s Word will bring encouragement, guidance, and fresh revelation for our daily walk.

This chapter starts out where the last one ended. We see mercy at play again. The pharisees came to Jesus to trap him. They brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus to see if he will say something they can use against him.  

‘As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd. “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. (John 8:3-6 NLT)

Jesus says to the accusers if you have never sinned before then cast first stone. Interestingly one by one they left the place till it was only Jesus and the woman.

‘They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. ‘ (John 8:7-9 NLT)

One lesson that stood out for me is how easily we judge others, particularly when we ourselves might be guilty of similar faults. It is all too easy to fall into the trap of thinking we are more righteous or morally superior to those around us. However, Scripture warns us not to think too highly of our own self. The Pharisees, saw themselves as exceptionally righteous and above the woman they accused, without recognising their own shortcomings, they were just as guilty and in need of mercy.

Jesus tells her to go and sin no more and he doesn’t condemn her

‘Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” (John 8:10-11 NLT)

In this, Jesus demonstrates mercy and refrains from condemnation, but he also instructs her to leave her life of sin. This encounter serves as a reminder that Jesus sees us, He knows our failures, yet He does not condemn us. He offers mercy—but He also calls us to transformation. “Go and sin no more” was not permission to continue in sin, but an invitation to a new life empowered by His grace. Jesus does not hate the individual but hates the sin. The Bible teaches that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1John 1:19).

Wherever you are today or whatever you are struggling with, this is an invitation to come lay them down at the feet of Jesus. Confess your sins and struggle to him and He is ready to forgive and extend his mercy and grace to you.

Jesus then went on to tell the people, He is the light of the world and anyone that follows him won’t walk in darkness

‘Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” ‘ John 8:12 NLT

When we follow Jesus, His light enters our lives. Light exposes darkness, brings clarity, and gives direction. Spiritually, light represents revelation, understanding, and guidance. With Jesus, we aren’t left to wander. Darkness cannot remain where His light is present. Following Him means we are never stranded, because the Holy Spirit within us leads, teaches, convicts, and guides us

Today, remember you have the light of the world in you and his presence brings light into every dark situation. Invite him into your situation and watch Him shed his light into it. His light brings hope, healing, and clarity.

Thank you for joining me today in our study of John 8. I’d love to hear from you—what stood out to you most in this chapter? Share your reflections in the comments below so we can continue growing together.

John 7 – Through the lens of Mercy

Nov25

Good day everyone, and welcome back to our journey through the book of John! 😊 Today we’re diving into chapter 7, and my prayer is that as we reflect together, God’s Word will bring encouragement, guidance, and fresh revelation for our daily walk.

This chapter begins with Jesus’ brothers preparing to go to the Festival of Shelters. They urged Jesus to come with them so He could show His miracles to the crowds.

“Leave here and go to Judea, where your followers can see your miracles! You can’t become famous if you hide like this! If you can do such wonderful things, show yourself to the world!” For even his brothers didn’t believe in him. — John 7:3–5 (NLT)

Verse 5 struck me. Jesus’ own brothers—those who had lived with Him, seen His life and His miracles—still didn’t believe in Him. If anyone should have recognised who He was, it should have been His family.

Maybe you can relate. Perhaps those who should support your calling, your vision, or your dream don’t believe in you. If so, take comfort: Jesus experienced this too. His identity wasn’t validated by the acceptance of others. And neither should ours be. Jesus remained focused on what He was sent to do. He wasn’t moved by pressure, opinions, or expectations. He was anchored in purpose.

Jesus told his brothers he couldn’t go freely like they could as the world hated him and it wasn’t yet his time. 

“My time has not yet come… The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil… I am not yet going up to this feast, for My time has not yet fully come.” — John 7:6–8 (NKJV)

This reminds us that there is a right time for everything. Even Jesus, the Son of God, moved in perfect alignment with the Father’s timing. Ecclesiastes 3 teaches us that every purpose has its season. So before we run ahead, we must pause and ask: “Lord, is this the right time?”

And God promises to guide us:

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” — Psalm 32:8 (NKJV)

As the chapter continues, Jesus eventually goes to the temple and begins to teach. The people were amazed at His wisdom, yet they still questioned Him. Their biggest issue was that Jesus healed the crippled man on the Sabbath. Jesus pointed out the inconsistency in their judgment.

They circumcised their sons on the Sabbath to obey Moses’ law, yet they were angry when Jesus healed someone on the same day. They focused on technicalities, while missing the heart of God—mercy.

Jesus challenged them:

“Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” — John 7:24 (NKJV)
“Stop judging based on the superficial. First you must embrace the standards of mercy and truth.” — John 7:24 (TPT)

Their judgement wasn’t righteous because it lacked mercy. They were so focused on rules that they overlooked the miracle before them—a man restored after years of suffering.

The TPT commentary brings it home beautifully. It says:

“Jesus was teaching that the law of mercy (healing the lame man) overrides the laws of Moses (regulations of the Sabbath). Seeing situations and people with the lens of mercy gives us true discernment”.
This is a powerful lesson for us. We must not judge people by appearance, actions, or assumptions. We need to look at others through the lens of God’s mercy, just as God looks at us. Remember the scripture says those who show mercy to others will also find mercy with God.

“God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” — Matthew 5:7 (NLT)

My prayer today is that we will extend mercy to those around us; that the Holy Spirit will help us discern our times and seasons; and that we will remain focused on what God has called us to do—regardless of who believes in us in Jesus Name, Amen.

Thank you for joining me today in our study of John 7. I’d love to hear from you—what stood out to you most in this chapter? Share your reflections in the comments below so we can continue growing together.