The story of the adulterous woman (John 8:1-11) presents a textual challenge. Modern translations note that earliest manuscripts don't include these verses, appearing only in medieval times around 1200-1300 years after Christ.
Missing from Early Manuscripts
Not found in almost all early Greek manuscripts, only appearing in medieval times with scribal question marks.
Inconsistent Placement
Sometimes found in chapter 7, chapter 10, or near Luke 21 in different manuscripts.
Breaks Narrative Flow
Interrupts the connection between Jesus as "living water" and "light of the world" at the Feast of Booths.
The Bible: Our Sole Authority
Scripture stands as our central controlling reality for belief and practice. Unlike other religious traditions that guard their texts, we openly examine manuscripts, history, and textual differences because the Bible can withstand scrutiny.
25K
New Testament Copies
Handwritten manuscripts from 2nd-16th centuries
5,700
Greek Manuscripts
More than any other ancient text
3,000
Hebrew Manuscripts
Old Testament preservation
The Bible self-authenticates through the Holy Spirit's power. Archaeological discoveries continue confirming biblical accuracy, from Sargon's palace to Pilate's inscriptions to Caiaphas' tomb.
Jesus Declares: "I Am the Light"
At the Feast of Booths, when temple candelabras illuminated all Jerusalem in the darkness, Jesus made His dramatic claim: "I am the light of the world." This wasn't just metaphor—it was a divine declaration.
Divine Claim
Only God is called light in Scripture. Exodus 13, Psalm 27:1, and Ezekiel 1:4 all identify light with Yahweh's presence and glory.
Messianic Fulfillment
Isaiah 49 prophesied the servant of the Lord would be "a light to the Gentiles"—Jesus claimed this role.
Perfect Timing
Spoken during the temple's greatest illumination, when all Jerusalem glowed with ceremonial light.
The Father Bears Witness
Jewish Accusations
The Pharisees challenged Jesus: "You bear witness about yourself; your testimony is not true." They demanded external validation according to their law requiring two witnesses.
Jesus' Response
Jesus answered that even by their standards, He had two witnesses: Himself and the Father who sent Him. "I know where I came from and where I am going," He declared, while they judged according to the flesh.
These words were spoken in the temple treasury during the feast, yet no one arrested Him "because His hour had not yet come." Even in rising hostility, Jesus' life remained in His own hands.
The Ultimate Stakes
Believe or Die
Jesus escalated the confrontation with stark clarity: "Unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins." This wasn't mere religious debate—eternal destiny hung in the balance.
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"I AM HE"
Echoing Exodus and Isaiah — the very name of Yahweh God
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Death in Sin
Not just physical death, but eternal immersion in brokenness and separation from God
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Belief Required
The only remedy—acknowledging complete dependence on what God has done in Christ
When Will They Know?
"When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He." Jesus pointed to His crucifixion as the ultimate revelation of His identity.
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The Cross
Jesus lifted up in crucifixion—the moment of ultimate revelation
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The Centurion's Recognition
"Truly this was the Son of God"—a Roman soldier, not the Jews, first acknowledged
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Universal Acknowledgment
Philippians 2: One day every knee will bow and every tongue confess
The cross serves as both revelation and dividing line—drawing people to faith or confirming their rejection. Many believed as Jesus spoke these words.
Salvation: Union unto Communion
To those who believed, Jesus offered the path to true freedom: "If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Belief
Confessing complete dependence on Christ
Abiding
Remaining in God's Word and fellowship
Truth
Knowing reality as God reveals it
Freedom
Liberation from sin, death, and bondage
This freedom transcends political rights—it's eternal freedom to be holy, to be with God, to enjoy righteousness even when earthly freedoms are stripped away.
The Call to Confession
The stakes couldn't be clearer. Jesus declared, "Unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins." This isn't Nathan's word, but the testimony of divine Scripture.
Stop Playing Games
Have you truly confessed Christ? It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from.
Cry Out in Prayer
Confess Him now. Your week's sins don't disqualify you—Jesus pays the debt.
Walk in His Light
Let God's Word wash over you, empower you, and strengthen you for His glory.
May we be a church standing upon the Word, fervent about the Gospel going to the nations, walking in the power and light of Christ.