Thinking of our Bible lesson today in John 8 and the series of contrasts John wrote about that show the graciousness of Christ and the wickedness of man.*  In verses 1-11 the contrast of Law and Grace.  The Law taught us to stone the adulteress. The grace beautifully expressed in Jesus’ words “neither do I condemn thee. Go and sin no more.”  The law shows us our need and teaches us what sin is.  We discover that we are not able to keep the law.  Grace shows us what God has done so that we can be forgiven, cleansed, and given the power through Christ to live free from sin. Grace freely given.  Amazing and abundant.  Sin no longer has to rule in our hearts.

In verses 12-20 we find the contrast of Light and Darkness. Jesus states “I am the Light of the world.” Only as we follow Him do we walk in the light of life.  Light always testifies to itself.  No matter how dark the night a tiny ray of light can be seen any where it is shining.  Darkness cannot put out the light, but light always shows in the darkness.  Knowing Christ as Savior has certainly brought me out of the darkness of sin into the Light of His love.

In verses 21-30 Jesus talks about Life and Death. “Unless you believe in me, you will die in your sins.” When men refuse to follow Him, they live in sin and therefore, they will die in their sins (v. 24). Throughout this passage there are many times that Jesus declares His deity. His is judge; he was sent by God; He received his teachings from the Father; He even spoke of his own death and glory; and He always pleased the father. I wish I could say that I always pleased my Heavenly Father.  That is my goal.  There is no mistaking that Jesus claims to be God. A concept His enemies never misunderstood.  They knew what He was saying.

In verses 31-47 Jesus contrasts Freedom and Bondage.  Knowing Jesus and the Word is the way to freedom in our lives.  We follow Him into freedom from the slavery of sin.  Those who chose to remain under the law trying to develop their own righteousness continue to be slaves of sin.  Only Jesus, the living Word of God, can free us from bondage.  Romans 5,6,7, & 8 are all about how this plays out in our lives.  In Christ, we have the freedom to chose to live in the Spirit of God.

Finally, in verses 48-50 there is the contrast between Honor and Dishonor.  Jesus again claimed to have Lordship over another area only God can have–Death.  Then when He said “Before Abraham was, I AM” all present knew He was making Himself equal with God and tried to stone Him.  God protected Him through this since stoning was not the way Christ was to die and it was not His time.

I pray that throughout the rest of my life Christ will be lifted up in me and others will be drawn to His light and love.  He is worth it.  He is enough.

*Wiersbe, Warren W. The Bible Exposition Commentary (Matthew-Galatians), 1989. pp. 319-324.