Welcome back, friends. We begin Chapter 8 with a lesson titled: “Grace or the Law?”

Before we dive in, let me pray from 1 John 5:20:

“And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true. And we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.”

Oh Heavenly Father, hallowed be Thy name. Thank You for sending Your only begotten Son to be our Savior. Thank You that through Your grace and mercy, the Holy Spirit has given us understanding, that we may know Christ more fully. He is the only way, the only truth, and the only life. Help us walk in that truth daily—for Your glory. In Jesus’ mighty name I pray, Amen.

Setting the Stage: John 7:53 – 8:2

We’ll begin at John 7:53: “And everyone went to his own house.” And then John 8:1: “But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.”

The Mount of Olives is east of Jerusalem across the Kidron Valley. Jesus often went there to pray and rest. Verse 2 tells us He returned early in the morning to the temple, and the people gathered around Him. Jesus sat down and taught them—this is a peaceful yet powerful setting.

The Trap: Verses 3–6

The scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. They said:

“Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?”

They weren’t just concerned with justice—they were trying to trap Jesus. But where was the man? According to Leviticus 20:10 and Deuteronomy 22:22, both the man and woman should have been brought forward.

These leaders were testing the Lord, trying to pit His grace against the law. But Jesus didn’t answer right away. Instead, He stooped and wrote on the ground. His silence was a judgment on their hypocrisy.

The Challenge: Verses 7–9

Then Jesus spoke: “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”

This echoes Deuteronomy 13:9 and 17:7—only a sinless witness could start an execution. Convicted by their own consciences, they all left—starting from the oldest to the youngest. The Word of God had exposed their hearts.

The Mercy: Verses 10–11

When the accusers had gone, Jesus said to her:

“Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”

This was not a license to sin, but an invitation to change. Jesus, the only sinless one present, forgave her and called her to a new life. That’s the heart of grace—Jesus did not excuse her sin; He offered her freedom from it.

Application: Grace, Law, and Us

The law shows us our sin, but it cannot save us. Grace—through Christ—offers forgiveness, redemption, and transformation.

• Forgiveness: Her sins were real, but so was God’s mercy. Jesus didn’t shame her—He saved her.
• No fear of judgment: She stood before the Judge of the world, and was forgiven.
• A future of change: “Go and sin no more” is a command to leave the old life behind. It’s our call, too.

As Romans 3:23 reminds us: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” But in Christ, we find mercy—not condemnation.

Closing Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the power of Your Word and the mercy of Christ. May we learn not to judge others harshly but to first search our own hearts, as Jesus taught in Matthew 7:3: “Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?”

Help us walk in forgiveness and truth. Teach us to love as Jesus loves. Let our lives be a witness of Your grace. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Thank you for joining in tonight’s Word. Let’s continue to grow together in truth and in love. I’ll now hand it over to our beloved sister Sarah from the Philippines, who has faithfully emceed for us for many years. Her spirit, song, and joy always brighten our fellowship. God bless you all. Until next time, love and peace from above. Amen and Amen.

Clyde Dunlap