Discussion Topic: The Woman Caught in the Act

Jesus Speaks to the Problem of a Judgmental Spirit

Pray

Pray together for the group meeting, and any pressing needs within the group.

Mission Talk

Each week you’ll spend some time sharing about the previous week’s mission. What was your mission, what were your results, and what did you learn from it?

Watch

Watch the following discussion-starter video. It’ll set the topic of discussion for the group.

Read John 8:1-11

1. One person will first read the scripture selection in the King James Version.
2. Next, another person will read the same passages in a modern language or amplified version for more clarity such as the New Living Translation (NLT), Message Bible (MSG), New English Translation (NET), Amplified Bible (AMP), etc. We recommend using the YouVersion Bible app.

Retell

1. One person will begin retelling the scripture passage in their own words (a new person to start each week is great!) Then…
2. As a group, work together to fill in gaps and build the story. This will help us internalize and own it. Be sure everyone participates.

Discuss

Together, share around the group how the topic and scripture setting applies to your life personally. Here are some thoughts to consider for discussion… don’t let the discussion stop here, though… what questions can you ask that will help uncover God’s message?

The Woman – verses 1-3

• Where did Jesus have his encounter with the woman and the crowd? What could be significant about where it happened?
• Who all was gathered in that place, and what were the various reasons they were there?
• Who were the people that interrupted Jesus while he was teaching?
• The crowd that was gathered to hear Jesus teach would have known these men. What reputation might they have had with the people to this point?
• Often what we see on the outside doesn’t reflect what’s in a person’s heart. How would you describe the intentions and character of these men on this day?
• From this passage, we don’t know her marital status, her age, her previous relationship to any of these accusers, or her family background. What do we know about the woman?
• In order for this Jewish capital offense to be judged, the law demanded an accusation to be a literal eyewitness testimony. It wouldn’t be enough to say, “I saw them going in the bedroom and then I saw them leave,” because that would be hearsay. How did they “happen” to catch her “in the act of adultery”?
• Adultery requires two people, and both would be guilty. Where is the man? Why might we not read about him in this event?
• These men were the religious leaders and could have immediately punished the woman with death without exposing her publicly or bringing her to Jesus. What might have been their motive in doing this?

The Trap – verses 4-6

• According to Leviticus 20:10 and Deuteronomy 22:22, both parties of adultery were to be put to death. But according to Roman law the Jews could not execute anyone. This is why Pilate had to agree to Jesus’ crucifixion. What would happen to Jesus if he had consented to her death?
• If he had NOT consented to her death, what would they say of his handling of the Law?
• Have you ever been in a dilemma that it seemed there was no way out, or no good answer? Explain.
• Does it appear that these men care about this woman? Why or why not?
• They professed respect for the law, claimed to protect public morality, and said they wanted Jesus’ “advice”. Was any of this true? Explain.
• What other motive did they have?

The Challenge – verses 6-9

• What might Jesus have written when he stooped down twice to write with his finger?
• Regardless of what he wrote, what he said was most important. What was the challenge he posed to the men?
• Who among humanity is truly sinless?
• Does this statement mean that no one anywhere, or ever, could pass judgment unless they were sinless? Why or why not?
• In John 7:24, Jesus told his followers to “judge with righteous judgment”. Does this contradict, or inform, his statement here?
• Deuteronomy 19:15-21 gives protection for the rights of the accused. It states that there must be at least two eyewitnesses, and that they must give a true report. If they’re found to be false witnesses, they would be given the penalty of the accused. This was to prevent people using the law for their own crooked purposes. With this information, why might Jesus have posed the challenge to the men the way he did?
• Restate the phrase, “Let he that is without sin cast the first stone” using modern, relevant terms.
• If the men were testifying against this woman maliciously or deceitfully, what would their punishment have been?
• Was Jesus forbidding judgment against adulterers?
• The men wanted to judge the woman, but Jesus turned the tables on them. What might Jesus have wanted to accomplish by this?
• What sins could we attribute to these men, by what we read in this story?
• After considering Jesus’ challenge, what did the men do? Why?

The Pardon – verses 10-11

• Have you ever found yourself guilty and needing pardon?
• Why did Jesus stand up and face the woman? What does this say about the attitude he treated her with?
• How do you think she felt about herself and her sin at this moment?
• What was the question he asked her, and what is the significance of it?
• Was Jesus qualified to condemn this woman? Why, or why not?
  • (clarifying questions: Was he an eyewitness? Were there the required two witnesses? Did he supersede the Law?)
• What was her response to his question, and what self-realization would she have had by saying this?
• Why didn’t she run away when her accusers left?
• When Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you,” what was he extending to her?
• What conditions would make that same statement applicable to you or anyone else?
• Did the man, the one she committed adultery with, get away with his sin? Why, or why not?
• Are we only guilty of sin when we’re caught, or when we sin?
• Sometimes we feel we’ll be better off if our sin isn’t found out. But she was forgiven and he wasn’t… who was the more fortunate one of the two?
• What challenge did Jesus give to the woman?
• Think of what Jesus has done for you… would you be willing to share a sin or struggle with your group that you committed and he forgave you? No pressure, but it could be beneficial to you and others.

Mission

In light of what we now know about this passage, what is God calling you to do this week? As a group, take just a couple of minutes to silently pray to God asking, “Lord, what do you want me to do this week because of what I’ve seen today?” Briefly write this down as a personal mission statement for the week,

“Lord, this week, I will __________________________.”

Some possible suggestions:

• Lord, this week I will release and forgive someone of an offense against me.
• Lord, this week I will spend time in prayer examining my heart and inviting you to change me.
• Lord, this week I will tell someone about your forgiveness in my life.
• Even better, write your own!

Next Week’s Scriptures

The Host Who Forgot His Manners: Christ Speaks to the Problem of Spiritual Pride For next week’s discussion, read Luke 7:36-50.