Wisdom Wednesday: Wisdom in John’s Gospel Part 6 (of 8)
Chapter 8 The Light that Illuminates Truth
Submitted by Debbie’s Dad
Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” John 8:12 (NASB 95)
In this series, we continue to examine the wisdom of God, which is presented throughout the Gospel according to John. In the previous parts of this series, we saw the emphasis on Who Jesus was (chapters 1-3), the spiritual truth He brought (chapters 3 and 4), how He validated His claim to be God’s Son (chapter 5), and His way of teaching that amazed His hearers (chapters 6 and 7).
In chapter 8, Jesus continued His amazing teaching and focused on how He illuminated the truth so people could find life’s ultimate reality and be free from darkness. The context of the chapter is the exciting time in Jerusalem where many sought to kill Him (see John 5:8 and John 7:1, where John noted the desire of some to kill him from Galilee to Jerusalem), yet Jesus openly taught in the temple. He proclaimed that He was “the Light of the world” and that those who receive Him will have the “Light of Life” (v. 12), referring to genuine spiritual life, free of sin. (Earlier in his introductory commentary in John 1:8, John referred to Jesus at the Light.)
The Dispute – This claim began a discourse with the religious Jews that sought to challenge Him. It went like this:
- The Pharisees challenged him, disputing His claim because His claim was not supported by independent evidence. Jesus responded that His Father (Yahweh) testifies to His genuine claims. (8:13-20)
- Jesus then claimed that He is from above (heaven) and “I am He” (as in Exodus 3:14), and He was sent by the Father, and many believed. (8:21-30)
- Telling the believing Jews that the truth will set them free (8:32), Jesus told the challenging religious leaders that their (Spiritual) father was not Abraham as they claimed, but the devil! (8:44) Claiming again His relationship with the Father (Yahweh) and that those who keep His word will not see death (8:51 and again in 52), He repeated His claim that “…I am”) (8:57)
The Emphasis on Truth – In this dispute, Jesus emphasized the importance of a genuine (truthful) relationship with God and worship of God. While disputing with His opponents, He specifically claimed that He is the Light of the world; his followers do not live in darkness but have the “Light of life.” (8:12) Those who are of God receive Jesus’ words of truth, but those who dispute Him are not of God and reject the truth. (8:45-47) In contrast to the truth of God, the devil has no truth in him; he is a liar, and his nature is untruthful. (John 8:44) Jesus also pointedly told his opponents that they were the children of the devil. (8:38;44)
However, chapter 8 is not the only place where Jesus emphasized genuine, truthful acceptance and following of Him. The table below summarizes the key passages throughout John that emphasize truth in the acknowledgment and worship of God.
May we be examples of those who live in the “Light of Life” who demonstrate our walk with Him, our reliance on the Spirit of truth, and our confidence that the truth has set us free from sin and that we no longer walk in darkness.