Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible ReadingJohn 8:1-11, 31-32, 36 (ESV) 1 but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.
2 Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them.
3 The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst
4 they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery.
5 Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?”
6 This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground.
7 And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.”
8 And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground.
9 But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him.
10 Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”
31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,
32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Observation Questions- In the story of the woman caught in adultery, what was Jesus’ response to those who wanted to condemn her? ([01:58:24])
- According to John 8:31-32, what does Jesus say is the result of holding to His teaching?
- What does Proverbs 3:5-6 say about trusting God versus trusting our own understanding? ([02:05:17])
- In the sermon, what reasons were given for why people sometimes “stand in the darkness” or on the sidelines of life? ([01:55:46])
Interpretation Questions- Why do you think Jesus chose to respond with silence and then with a challenge (“Let him who is without sin cast the first stone”) instead of directly answering the accusers? ([01:57:45])
- What does it mean that “the truth will set you free” in the context of this story and the sermon? How is this freedom described? ([02:03:24])
- The sermon mentions that society, family, and even church culture can try to dictate our worth. How does seeing ourselves through God’s eyes change the way we respond to these outside voices? ([02:04:42])
- The preacher said, “No matter how many times life feels like a checkmate, remember: with Jesus, there is always another move.” What does this mean for someone who feels stuck or defeated? ([02:07:46])
Application Questions- Think about a time when you were quick to judge someone else. What would it look like to pause and extend mercy instead, as Jesus did? Is there someone in your life right now who needs your grace more than your judgment? ([01:58:24])
- Are there labels or opinions from others that have kept you “on the sidelines” or made you feel unworthy? What is one step you can take this week to “get in the game” and let God’s light shine through you? ([02:02:06])
- When you look in the mirror, do you see yourself more through your flaws or through God’s eyes as His masterpiece? What is one truth from Scripture you can remind yourself of each morning to help change your perspective? ([02:05:17])
- Is there a situation in your life right now that feels like “checkmate”—like there’s no way out? How can you trust that Jesus has the final move and seek His direction this week? ([02:07:46])
- The sermon said, “God wants you just as you are, with all your mess and brokenness.” Are there areas of your life you’ve been hiding from God or others out of shame? What would it look like to bring those into the light and accept God’s grace today? ([02:12:51])
- The preacher encouraged the church to “rise together, to lift one another up.” Who in your life or in our group could use encouragement or support this week? How can you be intentional about lifting them up? ([02:00:14])
- Proverbs 3:5-6 calls us to trust God with all our hearts. What is one area where you tend to lean on your own understanding? How can you practice acknowledging God and trusting Him more fully in that area this week? ([02:05:17])