John_8
2014 Bible Reading,  John

John 8

Bible Passage:  John 8

“I am the light of the world.” said Jesus. “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Jesus revealed Himself in this chapter, after He had let the adulteress go without condemnation, instructing her to sin no more. Jesus told the Jews at that very instance, that He is the light of this world.

The meaning of “Light” has been universally known as something positive and good. It is also, from what is universally known, the opposite of darkness, which has been perceived to be something negative and evil.

Light in the Old Testament refers to God’s presence.

Numbers 6:25

“…the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you

Psalms 4:6

“…Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!

Ezekiel 1:28

“Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking.

Jesus, in John 8, revealed himself to be the light that saves. This is certainly an indication that His purpose on earth is to save us from darkness as mentioned in John 8:12. Rescuing us from darkness does not only mean that we, as believers, will be delivered from our mortal enemies, but rather, from the devil and the forces of rebellion against God Himself.

In addition, this deliverance from darkness does not only take place at a moment in time, but in verse 12, it notes that we will have the light of life. This means that those who believe in Jesus; in other word, those who possess the light of life, shall lead an ongoing life apart from darkness (or the evil one).

Jesus also revealed Himself as Lord the Saviour.

John 8:16

“…my judgment is true, for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me.

John 8:18

“I am the one who bears witness about myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness about me.

John 8:23

““You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world…”

Last but never the least, Jesus then explained to the Jews the only way to receive salvation is through believing in Jesus Christ Himself.

John 8:24

“…you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.

There were some who believed after Jesus revealed these things. However, there were also those who criticised Jesus saying that He is a blasphemer.

John 8:48

“The Jews answered him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?””

These people, including the Pharisees, could not see Jesus the way believers saw Jesus. This is because they judge according to human standards.

John 8:15

“You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one.

On the contrary, Jesus (God) does not perceive things the way we humans do. In fact, His ways and thoughts are always higher than ours.

This chapter is a reminder than our judgements are flawed. Man judges by what he sees. But God judges man by his own heart.

Matthew 7:1-5

““Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

Indeed, what right have we got to throw stones at another person if we ourselves are sinners too?

John 8:7

““Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone…”

In summary, Jesus is God. God sees things beyond our imagination, because His ways are far higher than ours. His purpose and plans goes way beyond time and space. Therefore He perceives what we do not see. How then can we truly place an absolute value on things or people we judge based on what we observe or what we understand?

John_8

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