Gospel of John
Chapter VIII

King James Bible Text

Study Notes Commentary

1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
 

Verse 1 Jesus "takes off" for a moment and heads for the hills! Time to think and pray with His Father!
2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.

Verse 2 The people are longing to hear what Jesus is teaching, so He returns and teaches them in the temple – He is a rebel! (Remember Jesus is not "authorized" to teach in the temple!)

3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,

Verse 3 The scribes and Pharisees have a plan to trick Jesus by testing him with the example of a woman caught in the act of adultery!
4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.

Verse 4 This could be the moment of forgiveness! What would you do?
5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? Verse 5 They’re testing Jesus to see if He will support the old law of punishment!
 

6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

Verse 6 Of course Jesus does not condemn the woman (He teaches don’t judge)! He doesn’t say a word! Now you are being asked to be still an instant and act like Jesus! What do you think Jesus wrote?
 

7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

Verse 7 Jesus teaches, "Look inside yourself first!" The Scribes and Pharisees keep questioning Jesus, and He says, "If you are without sin, then you be the first to throw a stone at her!"

8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

Verse 8 Remember, this is the second time Jesus writes on the ground! What do you think He wrote this time?
9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. Verse 9 Conscience means inner thoughts or feelings – mostly coming from guilt! Finally, Jesus is left alone with the woman! All the people go away, starting with the oldest, then on down to the youngest, because they can’t say they’re without guilt!
 
10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? Verse 10 Jesus is asking the woman, "Where are your accusers now? Who is accusing you of being a sinner now?" Not Jesus!

 
11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Verse 11 How can you blame "another" when you have no idea what really happened? You weren’t there! Your eyes don’t "see," and your ears "hear" falsely!

12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

 Verse 12 Again Jesus is telling the people to follow Him and they will not be in darkness but have the Light of Life! Don’t judge! Don’t condemn!

 
13 The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.

Verse 13 The Pharisees are saying Jesus is not telling the truth! The world will always judge you! The world is a judgment – yours! It’s your world!
14 Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.

Verse 14 Jesus knows He is not from the world – He’s from heaven! You are, too! Jesus is teaching, "My kingdom is not of this world!" Neither is yours – you are God’s son!

 

15 Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.

 Verse 15 Jesus teaches "Judge no man in any way!"
 

16 And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.

Verse 16 Jesus’ only "judgment" is that you are perfect as God created you! Jesus was sent to bring this message to you! He’s here NOW!

17 It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.

Verse 17 "Where two or more are gathered," is really saying God is there as well!

18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.

 Verse 18 Jesus knows that God sent Him to speak the truth! He tells you, "I and my Father are one!"
 

19 Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.

Verse 19 The people ask, "Where is your Father?" If they knew God, they would know Jesus! God sent Jesus into the world as a Savior! Are you willing to listen to Jesus and know God? He’s in your heart right now!
 
20 These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.

Verse 20 Jesus is teaching in the temple treasury (where "valuable" things are kept)! Still, no one arrests Him! He always trusts God to guide and care for Him – do you?
 

21 Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.

 Verse 21 If your mind is closed, then you are not able to follow Jesus! Let go of all your resentments and human ways right now and be free!
 

22 Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.





 

Verse 22 The Jews have no idea what Jesus is talking about! Do you? They think Jesus means that the only way to get to heaven is to die! What a silly idea – death is not God’s will! Jesus never taught that you have to die to get to heaven! You don’t enter heaven by dying, but through change of mind! Is this a new idea to you? Do yourself a favor and let the truth of it hit you right now! All of Jesus’ teaching will be clear to you if you accept this one idea: You are as God created you!
23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.

 		 Verse 23 If you believe you are sinful, you will stay in your sin (your belief that you are separate from God) – not because God is punishing you, but because you believe you are sinful! You are not separate from God – you are in the Mind of God! You are Spirit!

24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
 

Verse 24 Somewhere, in your mind, you are going to have to trust in Jesus or else in what He is saying! You really have no choice! You can’t know you are eternal while you hold the idea that you are separate from God! Not knowing you are eternal is what death is!

25 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.

Verse 25 Jesus says, "I’ve always told you Who I am and Who My Father Is! Why do you still see Me as a body in the world? My kingdom is not of this world!"
 

26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.

Verse 26 To "listen to the voice for God" is to ask God for help in every situation – to ask in prayer for Help to see things differently! Give it a try – it’s just a change of your mind!

27 They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.

 Verse 27 They completely miss what Jesus says! He’s talking about God!

28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.

Verse 28 One more time around! God is your Father! He loves you completely! You are not alone in the world! You can learn of love by asking God for help to see things differently all the time! Do it!
 
29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

Verse 29 Jesus is showing you the way, the truth, and the light! You are not alone!! God is your Father and you are His beloved son!

30 As he spake these words, many believed on him.
 

Verse 30 How can you not believe Jesus when He is so sure of What He is and Who His Father is! Do you believe Him?
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

Verse 31 Here’s the BIG Message! Live in the Love of God and ask God to show you the Truth! You, too, can be a disciple of Jesus right now!

32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Verse 32 The truth is – God’s love for you is real, and that’s what sets you free!

33 They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?

 Verse 33 The Jews are asking Jesus, "What do you mean, ‘made free’? We are the chosen people, Abraham’s family, and we’ve always been free!"
 
34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. Verse 34 Jesus is saying that if a sin is committed, then that sin "rules" until you forgive yourself! That is what being "born again" means – a fresh start!
35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.

Verse 35 If you think you are not a slave (servant) to the "ways of the world" – think again! You are!
 

36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Verse 36 Because Jesus makes you free – you will be free forever!

37 I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.

Verse 37 If you think you are trapped in a body with a family name, then you are not free and will not hear Jesus! Ask Jesus for Help to change your mind!

38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.

Verse 38 Jesus teaches God is your True Father! You are caught in the idea of being a human being in a human family! It is not so!
39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
 		 Verse 39 They say, "Abraham is our father!" Jesus says, "If you really were Abraham’s children, then you would do the works of Abraham!" They think that the family of Abraham means children of his flesh! Not true! Listen! You are Spirit, a child of God!

40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.

 Verse 40 Jesus says, "You still want to kill me – even though I speak to you of God’s Word! This isn’t Abraham’s example – you’ve got it all wrong!"
 

41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.

 Verse 41 "You act as if you think you are a body and not Spirit!" And so you are under the "rule" of bodies! And where does that end? In death! (Now they say, "God is our Father!")
42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.

 

Verse 42 Jesus says, "If God really is your Father, then you would love Me! I was sent to you by God my Father!"

God chose you, too – just as He chose Jesus! Your mission is to forgive your brother and remember God! You cannot hate your brother and still know God!

43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
 

 Verse 43 Even means only! Jesus says, "You just aren’t hearing me – only because you will not accept the truth!" Ask yourself, "Am I willing to accept the truth about me?"
44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

Verse 44 "Your father, the devil" is the lie that you are a body, apart from God! All your troubles come from that one idea! There is no truth in it! By that lie, you "murder" your True Self – God’s Son! Only truth is true!
 

 
45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

Verse 45 Because Jesus is telling the Truth, and it’s the opposite of that lie, the people don’t believe Him – do you?

46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?

 

Verse 46 Jesus is asking the Jews why they try to convince Him of sin – yet when He speaks the truth, they don’t believe Him! Crazy, isn’t it?! Remember that when you blame someone you are crazy!
47 He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. Verse 47 When you make a decision for God, you hear God’s Word – otherwise you hear nothing! You choose!
 

48 Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?

 Verse 48 Now the Jews show their prejudice! They want to label Him and call Him crazy!
 

49 Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.

 Verse 49 "I am not cursed, but blessed! I honor My Heavenly Father, and so you find fault in me! By not honoring Him also, you do dishonor me!"
50 And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth. Verse 50 Jesus always says that His glory comes from God! God looks out for His beloved Son!
51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.

Verse 51 Verily means truly! If you truly keep (in your heart) what Jesus is saying, death cannot be real for you – you can see there is no death!
52 Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.

Verse 52 Now they’re sure He’s crazy! Abraham and the prophets are dead – yet Jesus is saying, "There is no death!" If you think you are a body, doomed to die, then you haven’t heard a word Jesus is saying! You’re not a body!

53 Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?

Verse 53 Again the Jews say, "Who are you making yourself out to be?" They certainly don’t believe that Jesus is What He says He is – the Living Son of God!

54 Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:

 Verse 54 My goodness! "It’s not who I say I am – it’s Who God says I am!" Once more, Jesus says that God created Him – the same God the Jews say they believe in!
 

55 Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.

 Verse 55 "You’ve been mistaken about God! But I know Him! – and I’m telling you! So, now, you’re lying if you say you don’t know Him!" Jesus speaks from His certainty! And He knows you as Himself!

56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.

Verse 56 The prophecy of the coming of the Christ is not about time – it’s an event that happens in you – now! Are you ready?
57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?

Verse 57 They’re confused! How can Jesus know about Abraham’s experience of God? That was a long time ago! Was He there?

58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.


 

 Verse 58 "Okay, listen up – here it is! I am eternal! What I am has always been! I am The Word that was in the beginning with God!"

And doesn’t Jesus tell you again and again that you are the same as He?
59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by. Verse 59 Now the Jews are really after Jesus! When the Truth of God comes too close, you’re likely to get really upset! Never mind – God’s got you!
 

 

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