The first order of business is to address a common question. In most of our Bibles, why do we find a note indicating that the first 11 verses of John 8 are not included in the earliest manuscripts? Since the printing press wouldn’t be invented for another 1,500 years, New Testament books were shared from church to church through the hard work of people who meticulously copied the documents by hand, word for word. While the Holy Spirit guided the human authors so that what was originally written was nothing less than the Word of God, the same cannot be said of every copyist who reproduced these inspired words. However, since thousands of ancient copies exist, scholars are able to determine with remarkable accuracy the exact wording of the original documents. In this case, the overwhelming consensus of the best NT scholars, including evangelicals, is that this story of the woman caught in adultery was not part of the original Gospel of John. At the same time, most are convinced that the account is authentic. In other words, there’s no reason to believe that it didn’t happen, and it was probably written by an apostle, possibly John. So this story was preserved by the church for our instruction and edification. It portrays a picture of Christ that’s consistent with the rest of John and the other gospels: He is a friend of sinners, full of grace and truth. When others try to trap Him by deceitfully humiliating a sinful woman (where is the man?), Jesus shows perfect wisdom, extending love while upholding righteousness. Having witnessed her shame, He disarms her accusers. By saying that only a sinless person should throw the first stone, He’s not saying that sin should never be confronted, but that delicate issues must be handled with a gracious spirit. Speaking kindly to her, Jesus removes her guilt, then urges her to “sin no more.” Aren’t you glad He didn’t reverse the order, saying, “Sin no more; then I won’t condemn you”? As those set free from condemnation, we can go forth as changed people. Transformation follows forgiveness (v 1-11). And both are only found in Jesus! Like a dying man who cherishes his deadly disease, many people cherish the sin that produces their eternal death. As a result, they’re not able to see or love the light of Christ. Those who do not receive Him as Savior must face two terrible consequences. They will live in darkness (v 12-20), and they will die in sin (v 21-30). Without Jesus, we are both spiritually blind and dead, but those who follow Him will have the “light of life.” By His death on a cross, Jesus made a way for sinners to be saved. Believe in Him so that you might walk in the light and “die in the Lord.” Why reject Him to perish as a member of this lost world in rebellion against God? For further meditation: