This painting of Jesus and the woman caught in adultery is held by the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Marseille and was painted by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo between 1750 and 153. It's a little over four feet wide. Notice how Jesus, stooping down to write on the ground, has taken the attention of the accusers away from the woman. Especially the older accuser is struck by whatever it is that Jesus is writing. The accusers all leave, from the oldest to the youngest. Jesus tells the woman to go and sin no more. Notice the bright coloration of many people's clothes, leaving the woman understated, almost as an afterthought. Also notice the strong diagonal lines from top left through bottom right of the scene. This is slightly jarring to right-handed people. whose natural visual flow will move the opposite direction. The attention all ends up focused on Jesus, who releases the captives.
John 08 Questions for Reflection and Discussion
Notice in the Bible we refer to the following:
Book - John (there are many different "books" in the one book of the Bible),
Chapter - Normally found as a big numeric heading. John has 21 chapters,
Verse - a segment usually about a sentence long.
The chapter and verse markings were added to the text as a handy index about 800 years ago. They are the same in virtually every different translation.
Here's a link to John chapter 8. You can also compare the text in several different languages and translations.
If you want a copy of John's Gospel in print, we're happy to meet you around the Mizzou campus and put one into your hand!
1. The first part of the chapter, with the woman caught in adultery, is one of just a few passages in John's Gospel which is disputed. Some early manuscripts do not include it or place it in different locations. In what ways are Jesus' actions and words consistent with what you have read about in other parts of the Bible?
2. What concern does Jesus have for the woman caught in adultery? What about her accusers? Why is his command to her that she should not enter into sin again an important part of his actions here?
3. Jesus describes himself as the light of the world. This reminds us of chapter one. In what way is the metaphor of light important?
4. Think about Jesus' words about slavery and freedom. In this chapter the move to freedom is a move to a permanent state. Slavery is only ever intended to be temporary. Are you moving to freedom in Christ?
Be sure to ask your questions and share your ideas in the comments for this post!
Notice in the Bible we refer to the following:
Book - John (there are many different "books" in the one book of the Bible),
Chapter - Normally found as a big numeric heading. John has 21 chapters,
Verse - a segment usually about a sentence long.
The chapter and verse markings were added to the text as a handy index about 800 years ago. They are the same in virtually every different translation.
Here's a link to John chapter 8. You can also compare the text in several different languages and translations.
If you want a copy of John's Gospel in print, we're happy to meet you around the Mizzou campus and put one into your hand!
1. The first part of the chapter, with the woman caught in adultery, is one of just a few passages in John's Gospel which is disputed. Some early manuscripts do not include it or place it in different locations. In what ways are Jesus' actions and words consistent with what you have read about in other parts of the Bible?
2. What concern does Jesus have for the woman caught in adultery? What about her accusers? Why is his command to her that she should not enter into sin again an important part of his actions here?
3. Jesus describes himself as the light of the world. This reminds us of chapter one. In what way is the metaphor of light important?
4. Think about Jesus' words about slavery and freedom. In this chapter the move to freedom is a move to a permanent state. Slavery is only ever intended to be temporary. Are you moving to freedom in Christ?
Be sure to ask your questions and share your ideas in the comments for this post!
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