John 8:12-30
Q.1. What impact do light and darkness have on us? How could Jesus be the Light of the World? (Jn.8:12)
Even a child understands the difference that light and darkness make. We are afraid in the dark lest we stumble or are attacked by wicked men. We can see everything clearly in the light. It is hardly surprising that Jesus applied this picture to Himself – I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness but will have the Light of life (Jn.8:12). The Jews questioned the boldness of Christ’s claim, since He claimed to be the Light of the whole world.
Q.2. Why did the Law require two separate testimonies? In what ways did Jesus’ Father testify of Him? (Jn.8:13-18)
Jesus answered His questioners by quoting the Law. We have already seen that people flocked to Jesus because of the miracles He did. They connected these to the coming Messiah (Jn.7:31). His Father testified concerning Him through the Scriptures – … for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from or where I am going (Jn.8:14). Sadly, the people had their own agenda. They wanted a Messiah who would immediately establish David’s kingdom. Jesus came from Heaven, firstly to die for sinners, and then to return to Heaven. Therefore, He would never be acclaimed by the masses because the kingdom was appointed for a future time.
Q.3. Why were most Jews unable to accept the claims of Jesus? (Jn.8:19-27)
The crowds judged by human standards, because they were from the world below (Jn.8:15, 23). Jesus wanted them to understand His Father’s plan for Him to die in the place of sinners, rise again, and return to His Father. However, they completely misconstrued His predictions about His departure (Jn.8:14, 21 c.f. Lk.9:30-31).
Q.4. How was Jesus going to leave the earth? How serious is a person’s refusal to believe in Christ? Where was the Father in the Son’s mission? (Jn.8:21-30)
Jesus knew what the Jews would do to Him, and how He would depart – When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He … (Jn.8:28). This would bring tragic significance for a great many of the Jews, for whom Christ’s death would bring out the worst in them – …I go away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin; where I am going, you cannot come … Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins (Jn.8:21, 24). Nevertheless, many did place their trust in Him (Jn.8:30). More importantly, Jesus knew that His submission to His Father’s plan met with His Father’s approval – He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.” (Jn.8:29). When doing the Father’s will becomes our motivation, we will be assured of His approval.