Chapter 7 really deals with the conflicts with the Pharisees in that Jesus seeks to avoid the confrontation as much as possible. He is not seeking it out, but recognizes the desire of some to kill him. The Pharisees even attempt to have him arrested, but as Jesus teaches those sent to arrest him are impressed with Jesus so they decided not to arrest him. Nicodemus also speaks up to defend Jesus to an extent when he reminds the other leaders that a man must first be given a hearing before being judged. It is interesting that those who claim to be those who keep the law, turn away from the law when it doesn't suit their purposes.
In Chapter 8 we get another glimpse of the theme of light and darkness when Jesus says, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life." But I also love the story of the woman caught in adultery as it gives us a clue as to how we should treat people who are caught in sin: not a public spectacle, but the offering of forgiveness and the call to not sin any more. In a legalistic way the Pharisees were right to stone her. But the heart of the law reveals God's desire to have behavior corrected, not simply punished. Punishment is easy. Correction and walking with the repentant is much more difficult.
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