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John 6

In Today's Reading:

Feeding 5,000; Jesus walks on water; Jesus, the Bread of Life; Feast of Tabernacles; Jesus forgives an adulteress; Jesus, the Light of the world

Jesus entered into the Temple (Court), and all the people came unto Him; and He sat down, and taught them (John 8:2). Jesus was rudely interrupted by the scribes and Pharisees who brought unto Him a woman. . . . They say unto Him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the Law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest Thou? (8:3-5). They brought this woman to Jesus not because they grieved that the Law of God had been broken, but that they might have (a reason) to accuse Him (8:6). Had He said: Let her go, they would have accused Him of compromising with sin and breaking the Mosaic Law. If He had said: Stone her, He would have broken Roman law and been accountable to Rome.

Jesus brought conviction to each one of the woman's accusers when He said: He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her (8:7). And they which heard it . . . went out one by one, beginning at the eldest . . . Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst (8:9). Then Jesus said to her: Woman, where are . . . thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more (8:10-11). Following this hypocritical interruption by these self-righteous religious leaders, Jesus resumed His teaching, saying: I am the Light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the Light of life (8:12).

It is possible to follow the Light of the world for the wrong motives. During a time when some face a prison sentence or terminal cancer, they may appear to accept Jesus as Savior and Lord. However, let health return, or let there be a change of circumstances for the better, and their true motive becomes evident. All who are truly born again remain faithful. Others will be seen as once-zealous professors of faith as they revert to their self-centered ways. Such people are only temporarily "reformed" and have not been transformed by the renewing of their mind (Romans 12:2). In striking contrast with the hypocrites are those who, regardless of circumstance, remain faithful to Jesus. Whoso keepeth His Word, in him verily (truly) is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him (I John 2:5).

Word Studies:

6:24 took shipping = got into boats.

Cross References:

For John 6:31: See Exodus 16:4; Psalm 78:24. John 6:45: See Isaiah 54:13.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in the Orient in memory of O.V. Story · Staff: Valerie Gaskin Government Official: Rep. Lynn Woolsey (CA) Country: Seychelles (79,000) a group of islands in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and India Major languages: English and French Religious freedom 89% Roman Catholic; 8% Protestant Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to forgive your sins (Psalm 25:11).

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:33