Thoughts on the readings for April 16th (Numbers 35,Proverbs 26, John 8)

Some versions of John 8 omits the earlier verses. There can be little doubt that they should be included in the record. A woman was brought to the Lord caught in the very act of adultery. Where was the man? It was a set up designed to trap Jesus. The Law of Moses made it very clear that adultery was punishable by stoning. As they persist in goading Jesus he said, “Let the one without sin cast the first stone”. And he stoops down and writes on the earth- most likely he wrote their names in fulfilment of Jeremiah 17 verse 13. One by one they left beginning at the eldest. Finally, the woman was left alone with the Lord and although he condemned her not, she was told to go and sin no more. A discussion follows about Jesus being the light of the world- one of the many Messianic titles that John used. This led on to a discussion regarding origins – our Lord was from God they were murderous liars and in no way children of Abraham. Only truth could set them free. Finally Jesus astounds them with a claim for him to be the entire focus of God’s purpose. Abraham understood this and rejoiced in that knowledge.