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.