Theories abound regarding the authenticity of the account of the Woman Caught in Adultery (Pericope Adulterae, or PA) recorded in John 7:53-8:11. Some believe it to be a “floating tradition,” others claim it’s “spurious” yet (somehow) “true.” Many are likely unaware of any controversy whatsoever regarding the passage, and a seeming minority accepts it as genuine, authentic and original to the text. Arguments are varied and can be technical, but that goes beyond the scope of this piece. My goal is to not give text critical arguments for its authenticity, but to explain why our society needs this story.
One pastor described this account as “perhaps the best loved, and the most controversial, and the most misinterpreted account in the Gospel of John.” Whether one takes a position on its authenticity or not, this passage presents interpretive difficulties and incites questions like:
- Did Jesus “break the Law for love”? [1] After all, the Law commanded that she be stoned, but Jesus does not condemn her. Why?
- Did He believe she shouldn’t be judged (i.e. “judge not”)?
- Should I never judge sin in anyone else because I am not without sin?
- Did He wash her feet (i.e. “He gets us”)?
- Is He preaching licentiousness, as if her sin doesn’t matter?
If you answered the previous questions in the affirmative, then you demonstrate a misunderstanding of God’s love.
These are, however, worthy questions to ponder. I repeat: ways to misinterpret this passage are legion. But what is the true message of this passage? Why is it loved and cherished by many? And why do I believe our culture needs it?
At first glance, the Pharisees appear to be right in stating that the Law commanded such women to be stoned to death. And they were (See Leviticus 20:10). [2] Jesus, the Word Incarnate, obviously knew this, so why doesn’t He uphold the Law’s directives? I believe the answer can be found in the character of God. First of all, God is holy and just. Sin cannot dwell in His presence and He must punish it. But God is also gracious, merciful and compassionate. These are not contradictory, but complimentary. Holiness, more than a mere attribute of God, is an “attribute of attributes” [3]; it is the luster by which the rest of His attributes shine. So God cannot compromise His holiness in demonstrating His mercy. This is where the Cross of Christ comes in. Jesus could look at that woman, and tell her “Neither do I condemn thee,” because He was going to take the death penalty and suffer the wrath of God for her sin on the Cross. So for her, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:1a). But this does not excuse her sin, nor give her license to continue in it. He says to her, “Go, and sin no more.” Being forgiven, she was now a changed woman, and should “walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:1b).
Notice that Jesus calls her actions “sin.” He doesn’t sugarcoat it, He doesn’t water it down. Nor does He compromise; but He calls adultery what it is: sin. But what is His response to her sin? Does He withdraw from her? Does He act “holier than thou”? Does He cross over to the other side of the street shouting, “Unclean!!!”? If anyone had the right to act that way, it was Jesus, the Holy One of God. But this account displays Jesus’ heart for sinners who come to Him. And that is a heart of compassion, not snobbishness. About a chapter earlier, John records Jesus saying, “him (or, in this case, her) that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). All that’s required is that we come to Him.
The message of the PA is that of a Jesus Who saves, forgives, cleanses, transforms, restores, heals, delivers and redeems us. [4] This is the Jesus that America (and the world) needs, and the One the Church needs to proclaim. The way to combat misteachings about the love and grace of God is not to preach His wrath, but to preach His love accurately. [5] And in my opinion, no other Gospel account captures Jesus’ character as well as His heart like this one. [6]
But just because America needs this message, doesn’t mean they’ll want to hear it.
God help us.
Footnotes
[1] I have no idea if Furtick was attempting to exegete this passage or if he was even referring to it, but someone of his level of theological acumen would attempt to make that case.
[2] The same verse called for the man to be put to death as well.
[3] J. Howe, 1670. Quoted in Pink, The Attributes of God
[4] In this teaching, I examine four characteristics of God’s love from Hosea chapter 3.
[5] I highly recommend The Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God by D.A. Carson.
[6] Perhaps the woman at the well, or the woman with the issue of blood. All of these, indeed every Gospel account, reveal Jesus’ disposition toward sinners.
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