John 8:12-30
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Jesus, the Light of the World
The Gospel of John was written to introduce Jesus to the readers.
Jesus came down from Heaven to show himself as the SAVIOR, for without HIM, people will die in their sins.
Jesus came to give light to those who are walking in darkness (in sin and in hopelessness).
The passage we read was when Jesus was attending the Feast of Tabernacles (John 7:1-2) in Jerusalem.
Key Passage and climax of the narrative: Who are you? (v.25)
They are asking for the Identity of Jesus who said, “unless you believe, you will die in your sins”.
Who is Jesus according to Him?
Jesus is the Light of the World (v.12)
- “This is the 2nd I am statement of Jesus (1st - I am the bread of life in John 6:35)
Jesus claimed to be the light of the World, what does he mean by it?
Now, remember Jesus was attending the Feast of Tabernacles. During this festival Israel gathered big branches of trees and built booths in which to live for the span of the festival. These acts were meant to remind them of the time spent wandering in the desert.
In the wilderness, God accompanied them in order to protect them and to save them from enemy nations and from wild animals.
21 The Lord was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night.
When Jesus said that he is the light, the listeners were aware of what he meant. Jesus claimed to be the pillar of fire that gives light to protect and saved the Israelites in the wilderness.
The Jews were also anticipating that God’s Messiah will bring light to those in darkness as prophesied in Isaiah.
2 The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them.
However, the Pharisees were very hard headed and continued in their disbelief, challenging Jesus.
His Testimony/Judgment is true (v.14,v.16) (He is the truth!)
He is sent from the Father above (v.18,23)
He is the same as the Father (v.19)
Savior - Without faith in Him, people will die in their sins (v.21, v.23)
He is the Son of Man (v.28) (cf. Daniel 7:13-14)
He does what pleases the Father (v.29) (Obedient and faithful savior)
Result: many came to believe in him (v.30)
Proper Response to the Identity of Jesus as the Light of the World.
I. Believe in Jesus!
- He is God in the flesh. (v.12, v.18, v.23)
- He came down to earth to give you light so you will not walk in darkness anymore and so you could come to heaven. (v.12,23)
- He died on the cross to pay for the penalty of your sin (v.28, lift up - crucifixion)
Warning to those with unbelief:
Those who will not believe in Him will die in their sins and cannot enter Heaven (v.21; v23)
II. Serve like Jesus!
- Tell the truth / Share the Gospel (v.14, v.16)
- Live to please the Heavenly Father (v.29)
Conclusion:
John 1–12 for You (The Light of the World)
“It is a most beautiful title of Christ when he is called the light of the world. We are all blind by nature, but a remedy is offered to rescue and free us from darkness and make us partakers of the true light. And this blessing is not offered just to one here or there, for Christ says that he is the light of the whole world.”
(John Calvin, Calvin’s New Testament Commentaries, Vol. 1, page 210)