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 For certainly they knew if Jesus was God, he superceded it.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.
The Christian faith in simple words
Christianity for the Average Joe explains the core beliefs of Christianity in clear, everyday language—without theological jargon or confusing religious talk. But in a friendly, conversational tone of voice.
When God’s faithful people face affliction, Psalm 44 tells us how to respond. Remember God’s past faithfulness, demonstrate covenant loyalty despite present suffering, and boldly plead for God’s intervention.
When God’s faithful people face affliction. Remember God’s past faithfulness (1-8)
O God, we have heard with our ears, our fathers have told us, what deeds you performed in their day, in the days of old. (ESV, Psalm 44:1)
A familiar storyline runs throughout the Old Testament. It begins as God establishes a covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai under the leadership of Moses. If the people of Israel obey God’s voice and keep his covenant, they will remain his treasured possession among all people. (Exodus 19:5-6)
You’d think this favored position as God’s people would motivate ongoing obedience. But the people of Israel regularly turned away from God to idol worship. And it became an on again, off again pattern of turning away and then back to God. So God punished their disobedience when they turned to idol worship. He let other nations conquer, exile, and oppress them. But restored them when they repented and turned back to him.
In this passage, the psalmist begins on a positive note by remembering God’s faithfulness. He affirms God’s blessings on Israel and gives him full credit for defeating their enemies. It was not Israel’s military might that cleared the way into the promised land, but the hand of God. And V.8, the psalmist gives thanks to God’s name forever.
When God’s faithful people face affliction. Demonstrate covenant loyalty despite present suffering. (9-22)
All this has come upon us, though we have not forgotten you, and we have not been false to your covenant. Our heart has not turned back, nor have our steps departed from your way. (ESV, Psalm 44:17-18)
However, in V.9, the psalmist takes a sharp turn. He points out the people of Israel are presently under hardship. Israel’s army is suffering defeat, people are scattering, and losing possesions as spoils of war. And if that’s not enough, their enemies humiliate them further by scornfully taunting them. And now the psalmist complains.
Because in spite of their hardship and suffering, the nation of Israel remains faithful to God’s covenant. And it implies a question: Why are we being punished? We upheld our end of the covenant. It’s a frequent question asked today by Christ-followers when facing difficult circumstances. Aren’t we supposed to experience God’s blessings when we faithfully follow him?
Still, the psalmist affirms Israel’s unwavering faithfulness to God.
However, Psalm 44 confronts a painful truth. God’s ultimate rewards are eternal and not temporal. For reasons beyond our understanding, even God’s faithful people suffer pain, injustice, and hardship in this life. And this was taught by the Jesus himself.
Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (ESV, Matthew 5:11-12)
In Romans 8:36, the Apostle Paul quotes Psalm 44:22 to teachthat sometimes our covenant union with Christ is the reason we suffer. And not because God is punishing or abandoning us.
When God’s faithful people face affliction. Boldly pead for God’s intervention. (23-26)
Awake! Why are you sleeping, O Lord? Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever!Rise up; come to our help! Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love! (ESV, Psalm 44:23, 26)
Jesus was perfectly obedient to God the father. But in the Garden of Gethsemane, he prayed and asked God the father to spare him from crucifixion. So it’s perfectly acceptable for us to ask God to deliver us from our difficult circumstances. And this is exactly what the psalmist does. In fact, you can sense the desperation in his voice as he cries for God to wake up!
Jesus not only encourages us to pray with diligence. In Luke 18:1-8, he tells the parable of a widow who kept appealing to a judge for justice against an adversary. And the judge finally relents because he realizes it’s the only way she will stop pestering him. We are encourage to pray with the same persistence. But recognize that God is sovereign and sometimes the answer is “no.”
The psalmist ends by crying out for God’s mercy and appealing to his steadfast love. And in our times of trial, we too, should remember God’s faithful past and the assurance of his steadfast love. We are never forgotten or abandoned by God. But eternally secured by his amazing grace through Jesus Christ, our savior and lord.
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.
The Christian faith shouldn’t be confusing
Christianity for the Average Joe explains the core beliefs of Christianity in clear, everyday language—without theological jargon or complicated religious talk. But in a friendly, conversational tone of voice.
A study of John 8:2-11 reveals hearts that manipulate scripture for evil intent, caution about condemning others’ sin lest we expose our own, and that Jesus doesn’t condemn sin, but still speaks against it.
A study of John 8:2-11 reveals hearts that manipulate scripture for evil intent.
The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. (ESV, John 8:3-6)
The religious leaders accused Jesus several times of violating the sabbath law. And wanted to arrest and kill him. Now, they set a trap for him. As Jesus teaches a crowd in the temple they bring to him a woman caught in adultery. And reminded him that according to Jewish law, it carried a death sentence by stoning. But what do you say, Jesus?
Leviticus 20:10 and Deuteronomy 22:22 impose a death sentence for both parties that commit adultery. But the method of execution is not mentioned. However, death by stoning is mentioned in Deuteronomy 23:23-24. specifically in the case of a betrothed virgin committing adultery with another man. However, it also calls for both parties to receive the sentence. So the obvious question is: Where’s the man?
Of course, the religious leaders didn’t care about the man or the woman. She was a tool for their trap that presented two options. If Jesus supports the law, he loses credibility as a rabbi of compassion and grace. A friend to the downtrodden and social outcasts. Furthermore, he puts himself in opposition to Roman law because only the Romans could carry out executions. But if he lets her go by offering grace and mercy, he discredits himself by opposing the law that he teaches.
A study of John 8:2-11 reveals caution about condemning others’ sin lest we expose our own.
Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:6)
You can almost sense the glee of the religious leaders in their cleverness. Jesus was trapped in either direction. And they probably had preformed responses for either way Jesus decided.
However, rather than answer immediately, Jesus bends down and writes on the ground. Why? A pause for dramatic effect? Stall tactic as he prays for words and forms a response? And the biggest question. What did he write on the ground? It is the speculation of countless sermons and Bible scholars. And the answer? No one knows.
But Jesus’ response proves his knowledge of the Old Testament law too. It alludes to Deuteronomy 17:7 that gives a condition for execution by stoning. Witnesses of the offense were to be the first ones to throw stones. Referring to it suggests the religious leaders bringing the woman were also the witnesses who caught her in the act. Otherwise, it would complicate the stoning outcome.
But it didn’t matter. Because as the religious leaders kept pressing him for an answer Jesus looks up and flips the script by adding one more condition. As witnesses of the offense, you may throw the first stone…if you are without sin. And it presents a good rule of thumb for us today. To consider our own spiritual purity before we pile on in condemnation of another person’s sin.
The massive explosion the religious leaders eagerly anticipated diffused into dead silence. As consciences kicked in. Moral realization took hold. And everyone trickled away.
A study of John 8:2-11 reveals that Jesus doesn’t condemn of sin, but still speaks against it.
Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more. (ESV, John 8:10-11)
When everyone else is gone, Jesus turns his attention to the woman. What must she be thinking? Now I’m doomed. Perhaps a glimmer of hope for grace. Or, this might be a good time to make a break for it. But Jessus simply asks her if there are any accusers remaining. “No one, Lord,” she replies.
And then, likely to her amazement, Jesus speaks the most unexpected and liberating words in her life. “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.”
Her sense of worthlessness is wiped away. Instead, she is intimately seen, valued, and covered with divine love.
Jesus the judge but not condemner
Ultimately, Jesus will judge all of mankind. But his earthly mission had a different purpose.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (ESV, John 3:17)
Although Jesus did not condemn her sin, he didn’t ignore or condone it either. But tells her to leave it behind. In other words, repent. The same instructions he gave the invalid man after healing him by the pool of Bethsesda. The religious leaders wanted to condemn. Jesus wanted to redeem. And the same is true for us today. But we must believe in Jesus. Confess our sins to him as savior and Lord. Turn towards him and away from our sins. And follow as his disciples.
This is the path for spiritual liberation.
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. (ESV, Romans 8:1-2)
Furthermore, discipleship requires a careful balance. We are called to pursue righteousness while confessing our sins. And respond with grace to the sin of others, but with discernment in our obedience to God.
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.
Looking for a personal or small group Bible Study?
This four week study dives directly into God’s word. It includes an individual study with an exegetical approach that examines word meaning, provides background information, and thought provoking questions for reflection and journaling, And a weekly, group study guide that promotes a lively group discussion around other scripture references, personal stories, and life experiences that help apply scriptural truth to life.
A study of John 7:37-8:1 reveals living water as the Holy Spirit, a mixed response to the identity of Jesus, and Jesus’ rejection by the spiritual elite.
A study of John 7:37-8:1 reveals living water as the Holy Spirit.
On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ (ESV, John 7:37-38)
The week long feast of the Tabernacle included a religious ritual that brings Jesus’ words to life. During the first six days, a gold pitcher was filled with water from the Pool of Siloam and carried to the temple. Three blasts on a ram’s horn announced when they reached the water gate. And at the temple, they circled the altar singing songs of praise and shaking palm branches. Then the temple priest poured the water into a silver bowl on the alter and then over the alter. It symbolized the belief that when the Messiah appeared, he would provide manna and water like Moses did in the wilderness.
Jesus uses the same Greek words for “living water” in V.38 as in John 4:10 when he talked to the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus is the source of that living water, which refers specifically to the Holy Spirit. And what makes the statment outrageous is it claims equality with God. A blasphemous statement to the religious leaders.
In V.39, John further predicts an outpouring of the Spirit on believers after Jesus is glorified. This is fulfilled and recorded in Acts 2. However, today, God’s Spirit fills every person the moment they believe on Jesus and confess him as Savior and Lord.
A study of John 7:37-8:1 reveals a mixed response to the identity of Jesus.
When they heard these words, some of the people said, “This really is the Prophet.” Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Is the Christ to come from Galilee? (ESV, John 7:40-41)
The people listening to Jesus expressed different opinions about his identity. In Deuteronomy 18:15, Moses foretells that God will raise up “a prophet like me from among your brothers.” Therefore, many Jews expected a prophet to appear separate from the Messiah. And perhaps, Jesus was the prophet Moses spoke about rather than Messiah.
Others were convinced he was the Christ, which is the Greek Christos, and means annointed one. They didn’t see how anyone else could be more spectacular than Jesus. Therefore, they believed he was the Messiah. But others rejected him because he came from Galilee and scriptures said the Messiah was a descendent of David who was born in Bethlehem.
The irony, of course, is Jesus fulfilled both of those prophecies. And those unbelievers would have discovered that had they explored further. So it makes you wonder. Had they already formed their unbelief and simply looked to support it rather than open mindedly pursue the truth? Would the truth convince them or simply force another excuse for unbelief?
A study of John 7:37-8:1 reveals Jesus’ rejection by the spiritual elite.
The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why did you not bring him?” The officers answered, “No one ever spoke like this man!” (ESV, John 7:45-46)
In John 7:32, the chief priests and Pharisees send officers to arrest Jesus. They were likely Levites who functioned as security to enforce order within the temple. And they exercised wider authority under the command of the chief priests. But they aren’t mentioned again all the way through V.44. Did they drop into a narrative black hole? Or is John using creative storytelling? Describe an action and immediately shift to another scene to increase dramatic tension?
Because finally, in V.45, the officers report back to the chief priests and Pharisees empty handed. And when asked why, they simply respond, “No one ever spoke like this man!” In other words, there was something extraordinary about Jesus’ teaching. More than captivating. But true.
The religious leaders responded by mocking the officers. Essentially calling them stupid. How can you believe Jesus’ lies? None of us among the intellectually elite believe in him. And that is proof enough that neither should you. Unfortunately, what the religious leaders considered intellectual superiority was actually spiritual blindness.
Furthermore, it was not true that all the religious leaders rejected Jesus. Although not ready to publicly declare his beliefs, Nicodemus spoke on Jesus’ behalf by reminding the others that Jewish law did not allow judgement without a fair hearing. Although that too would soon face a test.
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.
Looking for a small group Bible Study?
This four week study dives directly into God’s word. It includes an individual study with an exegetical approach that examines word meaning, provides background information, and thought provoking questions for reflection and journaling, And a weekly, group study guide that promotes a lively group discussion around other scripture references, personal stories, and life experiences that help apply scriptural truth to life.
A study of John 7:25-36 reveals the bold teaching of Jesus, the difference between human and spiritual perception, and Jesus’ final destination.
A study of John 7:25-36 reveals the bold teaching of Jesus.
Some of the people of Jerusalem therefore said, “Is not this the man whom they seek to kill?And here he is, speaking openly, and they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ? (ESV, John 7:25-26)
When Jesus went to the feast of the tabernacle in Jerusalem, he kept a low profile until about halfway through the week. Then he appears in the Jewish temple and teaches. He commands the attention of a crowd, speaks boldly, and sparks controversary. And everyone wonders. Who is this guy anyway?
Surely he knew about the threats on his life. And yet he presents himself publicly as an open target. No security detail. Stepping in and out of the shadows. Chasing popularity or political power. But boldly declaring truth, answering questions, and confronting religious adversaries. And the people began to question. Had the religious leaders concluded Jesus was the Messiah after all?
If so, it added to their confusion. Because it challenged a popular Jewish belief: No one would know where the Messiah came from. And they all agreed this was not the case for Jesus.
But we know where this man comes from, and when the Christ appears, no one will know where he comes from.” (ESV, John 7:27)
A study of John 7:25-36 reveals the difference between human and spiritual perception.
So Jesus proclaimed, as he taught in the temple, “You know me, and you know where I come from. But I have not come of my own accord. He who sent me is true, and him you do not know. I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me. (ESV, John 7:28-29)
But the idea no one would know where the Messiah came from wasn’t exactly true. Many prophecies identified him. Including these two important ones.
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. (ESV, Micah 5:2)
Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’ (ESV, Jeremiah 23:5-6)
Jesus’ lineage and birthplace
The people knew at least two important facts about the Messiah. He was a direct descendent of King David and born in the city of Bethlehem. What they meant by “no one will know where he comes from” is that the Messiah would appear mysteriously and suddenly, as if from nowhere. But people knew of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. And that he was raised in Nazareth and currently lived in Capernaum. So he did not conform to their popular belief.
But Jesus challenges their knowledge. And maybe is better paraphrased: So you think you know where I come from, huh? Well, guess again. Because the one who sent me is True.And I know him, but you don’t. In other words, it’s impossible to recognize Jesus as the Son of God through human perception. He is only truly seen through spiritual perception by exercising faith.
A study of John 7:25-36 reveals Jesus’ final destination.
Jesus then said, “I will be with you a little longer, and then I am going to him who sent me. You will seek me and you will not find me. Where I am you cannot come.” (ESV, John 7:33-34)
Jesus shares another spiritual truth. He will remain on earth a little while longer, and then return to the one who sent him in heaven. And they can’t follow him there. But the people still fail to see beyond human perception. And only think of his destination as somewhere on earth.
Does he intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? What does he mean by saying, ‘You will seek me and you will not find me,’ and, ‘Where I am you cannot come’?” (ESV, John 35b-36)
So the people stretch their imagination as far as earthly possible. Perhaps Jesus plans to disappear in the dispersion?
What is the dispersion?
The Greek word for “dispersion” is diaspora, which means “scattering” or “dispersion.” It refers to the Jews who lived outside of the land of Israel, spread among the Gentiles and spoke Greek. It first occurred when the Assyrian (8 BC) and Babylonian (6 BC) empires invaded Israel and exiled them to other lands. And this dispersion continued later under Persian, Greek, and Roman rule as the Jews migrated throughout the ancient world. Perhaps, Jesus intended to go and teach among those people.
It all comes down to a decision.
Yet many of the people believed in him. They said, “When the Christ appears, will he do more signs than this man has done?” (ESV, John 7:31)
In the end every person decides. Is Jesus the Son of God or not? Because if so, his life, death, and resurrection change everything. But that change occurs one heart at a time. And many of his listeners took that step of faith and believed in him. Today, two thousand years later, many people are still believing in him too.
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.
Looking for a small group Bible Study?
This four week study dives directly into God’s word. It includes an individual study with an exegetical approach that examines word meaning, provides background information, and thought provoking questions for reflection and journaling, And a weekly, group study guide that promotes a lively group discussion around other scripture references, personal stories, and life experiences that help apply scriptural truth to life.
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