A study of John 8:12-20 reveals Jesus as the light of the world, witnesses of Jesus’ divinity, and the result of not knowing Jesus.
A study of John 8:12-20 reveals Jesus as the light of the world.
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. (ESV, John 8:12)
During the Festival of the Tabernacles, Jesus teaches in the treasury area of the Jerusalem temple, located in the women’s court. Four huge lampstands positioned around the court were lit each night to symbolize the pillar of fire that guided Israel on its wilderness journey to the promised land in (Exod. 13:21–22). They manitude of light they produced was visible from far outside of the city. Within this context, Jesus makes a remarkable claim. Perhaps, sweeping his hand at the lamps for a visual, dramatic effect.
Of course, light is a term used throughout both the Old and New Testament on different topics like revelation, purity, truth, and salvation. And John already used it to identify Jesus in the first chapter of his gospel.
In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (ESV, John 1:4-5)
It was likewise used by Isaiah in his prophecy about the Messiah.
I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth. (ESV, Isaiah 49:6)
And now, Jesus announces himself as the fulfillment of these scriptures. He is the light that leads mankind from darkness and into eternal life. A bold proclamation. One the Pharisees understood, but rejected.
A study of John 8:12-20 reveals witnesses of Jesus’ divinity.
In your Law it is written that the testimony of two people is true. I am the one who bears witness about myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness about me.” (ESV, John 8:17-18)
The Pharisees challenged Jesus’ divine claim by appealing to Deuteronomy 19:15, which requires two or three witnessees to establish legal testimony. It’s sadly ironic for them to respond to a divine claim by appealing to a human law. For certainly they knew if Jesus was God, he superceded it. So they probably should have honestly admitted, “We don’t believe you are God.” Because referring to the law makes disbelief in him as God their obvious assumption.
Still, Jesus answers them saying God the Father bears witness about him. He could have spoken about when he was baptized by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:17) and God declared approval of Jesus as his son from heaven. And added the public testimony of John the Baptist (John 1:29). Furthermore, as religious scholars, they certainly knew the prophecies of Isaiah 53, Micah 5:2, and Psalm 2. But Jesus didn’t point out any of this. The problem was not a lack of witnesses on his behalf. It was their unbelieving hearts.
A study of John 8:12-20 reveals the result of not knowing Jesus.
They said to him therefore, “Where is your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” (ESV, John 8:19)
Jesus tried to help people see the truth. To see HIM as the revelation of that truth. But many still rejected him like they do today. And in this scene, it was by the Pharisees who eagerly awaited his coming. And immediately recognized him as the Messiah. But were blind to it. And Jesus tells them the result. If you don’t know me as the Son of God, you can’t know the father either. Because we are the same God.
And there’s another result. An ultimate consequence that Jesus speaks about in his Sermon on the Mount concerning the final judgment.
On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ (ESV, Matthew 7:22-23)
In other words, entrance into heaven is not based on our efforts at goodness. But whether or not we know Jesus Christ. It requires the confession and repentance of our sin. Entering a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. And a committment to follow him as disciples.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
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