John 8:12–19

Bible Studies for Life
Samford University and Brookwood Baptist Church, Mountain Brook

Our Need For Direction

John 8:12–19

People who follow Jesus will never walk in darkness. (12)

“I am the Light of the World” is the second of Jesus’ powerful “I Am” statements in John. Jesus makes this declaration during the Feast of Tabernacles, where light was an important part of the celebrations. Ancient Jewish documents describe the lighting of four large lampstands in the Temple Court of the Women at the close of the first festival day. These lampstands emitted so much light that it reflected off of every courtyard in Jerusalem. Celebrants at Tabernacles danced before these lampstands with burning torches, adding even more light to the festivities. Here Jesus is identifying Himself as the true fulfillment of Tabernacles joy when He declares Himself to be the Light of the World. The Tabernacles’ light illuminated all of Jerusalem, but Jesus is the Light of all the World.

Light is a prominent image in the Old Testament. Light was God’s first creation. Later God’s self-revelation to Moses appeared in the brightness of a burning bush. During the exodus God went before Israel in the wilderness as a pillar of fire at night to illuminate their way. Now the light of Jesus presents the world with two choices: to follow the Light of the World or to walk in darkness. The word “follow” refers not to mere acceptance of Jesus but rather to serious, committed discipleship.

Jesus’ testimony about Himself is true and trustworthy. (13–15)

The Pharisees respond to Jesus’ invitation by questioning the validity of His self-witness. Jewish law held that a man’s witness on his own behalf was not legally admissible evidence. Two other male witnesses must be present. In an earlier instance (John 55:31–40), Jesus presented other witnesses on His behalf. This time He offers His own witness as sufficient. Sadly, the Pharisees have understood His words in a purely juridical sense, as if Jesus was interested in nothing more than establishing the legal criteria for acceptable testimony. The religious leaders are judging “by human standards,” literally “according to the flesh.” It is because Jesus’ opponents judge solely by what is visible that they do not recognize Him as the true Light of the World.

Jesus’ statement that He judges no one appears confusing, especially when in the next verse He appears to say that He does so. That answer is both/and, not either/or. Jesus was sent by His heavenly Father for salvation, not judgment. But Jesus’ witness calls for a decision that has bearing on one’s future destiny.

Jesus is the Light who reveals God the Father. (16–19)

Jesus ends His argument with a wonderfully ironic twist. He meets the Pharisees’ demand for two witnesses by offering Himself and God the Father. Jesus gives witnesses to the Pharisees, but on His heavenly terms, not their earthly terms. But again the humor is tempered by the reality of their blindness that comes from living according to the flesh.

The question the Pharisees finally ask, “Where is your Father?” reveals the distance between themselves and Jesus. They are assuming Jesus has spoken of an earthly father. The question speaks to their profound ignorance about the identity of God. As John asserts again and again in his Gospel: to know Jesus is to know God. Jesus declares this truth at the bright, open place between the Court of the Women and the Inner Court. He is the Light and He has nothing to hide. And no one can take Him until His hour comes.