STUDIES IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN- PART 46

                     2/14/07

 

chapter 8, verse 12- “I am the light of the world”- these words may be given in view of the lighting of the Candlelabra at the Temple (Jesus is the greater light) or in view of the sunrise (vs.2).  The use of “light” has already been established in John as a means to express the uniqueness of Jesus- see

1:9 and 3:19.  It is a motif of contrast (darkness) in order to express the

conflict of truth and error.   In Psa.27:1, the LORD is Israel’s light as is the word of God in Psa.119:105.  The wording in vs.11 –“shall not walk…”uses the double negative for emphasis.  Following Jesus dispels confusion & darkness.

  Merrill Tenney-“Jesus professed to be not only the inexhaustible source of spiritual nourishment, but he also was the genuine light by which truth and falsehood could be distinguished and by which direction could be established.”

 “light of life” carries a qualitative (genitive case) aspect.  It reveals that the

“light” provides or carries with it “life” in its most beneficial and fulfilling form.

See 10:10 and Luke 9:24.   Jesus came, not to give mere length of life, but to enrich and fulfill each believer’s heart—see Eph.3:17-19.

  

   Chapter 8, verses 13-59 provide an extended dialogue of conflict with the religious leaders.  It will reveal, not only the spiritual darkness of such leaders,

but give us important truths related to the Person of Jesus found nowhere else.

   In vs.13, the Pharisees key on His assertion “I am the light..” by challenging

the verifiability of His claim.  They deny its truthfulness by saying Jesus cannot witness to Himself.   But it must be considered that “light” establishes its claim.  It does so, not by arguments, but by shining. [Leon Morris]  His response is to challenge their logic by declaring that He knows both His origin and destiny, which they miss entirely and then adds in vs.15, that they “judge according to the flesh”.  Flesh, here, is like 7:24 where He pointed out they judged according to appearance; it is limited and may be prone to error.  He adds that He does not (double neg.) judge (in that manner) anyone, “but if I do judge, My judgment is true”.  The accuracy of His judgment is based on His intimacy with the Father, who “sent me”.

   In vs.17-18, He then explains how His words & witness do not ignore or violate

the Law, which required 2 witnesses.  The two witnesses on His behalf are

He, Himself and the Father.  Recall 5:36-37.  Also note the words “I am One..”

that suggests Ex. 3:14 and Deut.6:4.

  The question in vs.19 may be sarcastic or expressing their bewilderment.  It

prompts Jesus to assert that these leaders do not know the Father.  It follows that had they known (with relationship) Jesus, they would have known the Father as well.  This is another way of stating the truth of 5:22-23.  Throughout John’s gospel, Jesus depicts a unique intimacy between He and the Father.

  Vs.20 informs us of the location of this dialogue and how Jesus was providentially protected until the “hour” of fulfillment.

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  Chapter 8, verses 21-26- Jesus returns to His planned absence (7:33-36)

adding the ominous “you shall die in your sin”.  Their confusion is evident in

vs.22.

  Jesus contrasts Himself with these religious leaders: You are from beneath,

which would be understood as hell or lower regions; I am from above (3:31).

“You are of this world” which is greedy, violent, lustful and malicious; and “I am not of this world” (15:18, 18:36).  Apparently, Jesus wishes to make clear

that His life and ministry has no relation or similarity to theirs!

  In vs.24, Jesus points them to the result (die in your sins) as well as the cause (if you do not believe that I am He).  Here, He makes it personal;

that is, this is not a mere academic argument, but has long-term and serious

effects.  Jesus deals with the concrete, not the abstract.  He promotes that

attitudes and choices have consequences!

 Vs.25 reveals how dense these leaders are!  “Who are you?” triggers Jesus’ simple words “just what I have been saying to you from the beginning”.

Vs.26 explains there is more for Him to say and He is supported by the One

who sent him that is true, yet they do not understand Him.

   Vs.28 –“when you lift up the Son of Man..”- this lift up refers to His

Cross -3:14- or suffering; yet, it can also refer to His exaltation that follows

His suffering- see 12:23 & 34- “glorified”. The movement from suffering-to-glory

is seen as a unit in Phil. 2:8-11 and Eph.4:8-11.  Jesus then reiterates His dependency on the Father and that His teaching has its source in the Father.

This being true, it magnifies the sin of these religious leaders against Him

into sin against the Father.