John 7:45 – 8:11 — At first glance, the conversation between the Pharisees at the end of chapter 7 appears to have little connection with the beginning of chapter 8 with the woman accused of adultery. But actually these episodes are intrinsically connected and tap into issues of law, due process, and righteous judgement. It is not really the woman who is being judged, but Jesus. Yet he turns this attempt to trap him on its head, such that by the time he has finished, it is clear who are the law breakers — the Pharisees — and who is the true law keeper: Jesus, the one who gave the law and the Righteous Judge.
