Christ & the Woman Caught in Adultery: A Jewish Perspective Part 3
In this three-part series, we’re going to look at one of the most well-known yet greatly misunderstood passages in the entire Bible - chapter 8 of John’s Gospel, where we find the account of Jesus and the woman caught in adultery.
We will be making the case from the Scriptures that this is NOT - as so many Christian teachers, theologians and commentators have confidently affirmed for centuries - a story of forgiveness but rather something far more glorious, majestic and powerful ...
A picture of Jesus of Nazareth as He truly is - the Prophet greater than Moses and Son of David Who came not to destroy but to fulfill both the Law and the Prophets.
This is one of many examples of how mainstream Christianity’s separation from and rejection of its biblical Jewish foundation in favor of pagan, Hellenistic traditions has led not only to a false image of Christ but a distorted view of the grace of God and disdain, even contempt for His Law.
The very same Law that Paul - the apostle of grace – described in the seventh chapter of Romans as “holy and the commandment holy and just and good.” The very Law of which Paul also wrote, “Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.” Romans 3:31 (ESV)
The exact same Law, in fact, of which Christ Himself said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” Matthew 5:17-18 (NIV)
Professing to be wise, multitudes of Christian theologians and Bible scholars in their rejection of anything Hebraic or Jewish have become darkened in their knowledge of Christ and His kingdom. And as a result, key aspects of who He really is, why He came and what He is offering to mankind have been ripped from their biblical moorings and transformed into what can rightly be called another gospel and another Christ.
This account in John’s Gospel provides us with an excellent opportunity to see Christ as He truly is. Simply put, it’s a fabulous example of the surpassing greatness of His true grace and mercy. And as we’ll see, it’s far more glorious and majestic than the cheap counterfeits that have permeated Christian teaching and tradition for centuries!
Every detail is important and must be carefully read and understood within the context of the entire biblical record.
So in this episode, we’ll take a close look at John’s account and see why this is not a story of forgiveness but rather a beautiful, powerful and glorious story of redemption and mercy shown to a sinner by our loving, holy and righteous Lord and Saviour.
As it is written,
“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne;
Mercy and truth go before Your face.”
Psalm 89:14 (NKJV)
Soundtrack Music
"Advent" by Ben Winwood
"Awake My Soul" by Salt of the Sound
"Awakening" by LNDÖ
"Chorale de Mystica" by Lance Conrad
"Fount" by Mattia Vlad Morleo
"Mind Heart" by Tristan Barton
"The Warrior's Blade" by Steven Beddall
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com
“Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserve