John 8 | I am the Light of the World

John 8 I Am the Light of the World
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In today’s Daily Devotional, we delve into one of the most intense and revealing chapters of the New Testament, where we witness significant events and powerful declarations by Jesus. John 8 opens with the story of a woman caught in adultery, showcasing Jesus’ mercy and wisdom. It then transitions into Jesus’ bold proclamation that He is the light of the world, a statement that sparks intense debate and confrontation with the Pharisees. Through this exchange, Jesus not only asserts His divine identity but also directly equates Himself with God by using the term “I am,” echoing God’s self-description to Moses in the Old Testament. To read how Jesus divides the people over whether He is the Christ, the Messiah, or not, read the Daily Devotional on John 7.

Jesus Declares His Identity

As we navigate through John 8, we see Jesus engaging in profound and, at times, contentious dialogues with the religious leaders of His time. He challenges their understanding and exposes their spiritual blindness, emphasizing the need for true belief and adherence to His teachings. The Pharisees, threatened by Jesus’ claims and authority, accuse Him of arrogance and blasphemy. Yet, Jesus stands firm, reinforcing His unity with the Father and the significance of His mission. His statements are not mere theological assertions but calls to a deeper, transformative faith that promises liberation from sin.

Jesus Equates Himself with God

Take a moment to consider the implications of Jesus’ words and actions. Whether you are revisiting these passages as a believer or exploring them anew, Jesus’ confrontations with the Pharisees and His declarations about His identity provoke thought and self-examination. This chapter challenges us to confront our own beliefs and questions about Jesus. As we read, may we open our hearts to the truths presented and allow them to resonate within us, fostering a deeper understanding and connection to His message.

John 8 Commentary by Allen J. Huth

In John 8, we will read about a woman caught in adultery, see Jesus claim He is the light of the world, and see Jesus equate Himself directly with the Father by using the term, “I am.” Do you have a few things you want to discuss with Jesus? Please read or listen to John 8.

What an unbelievable chapter! After hearing or reading that, did you remember Jesus argued with people like that? I will skip my journal entries today from 1990, 2005, and 2018 and get right into chapter 8.

Jesus is the Light of the World

Jesus starts an argument in verse 12, when He says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” The Pharisees accused Jesus of bragging about Himself. Jesus says in verse 14, “Even if I am, it’s true.” But He goes on to say, “In the law, two people have to be a witness. So yes, I am a witness, but so is My Father, of who I am.”

He Proves Himself to Be God

He stirs the pot a little more, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world . . . unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins” (vs. 23-24). So they said to Him, “Who are you?” (vs. 25). Jesus goes on, “’And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.’ As he was saying these things, many believed in him” (vs. 29-30). Surely, no one has spoken like this before. Remember, these people were hearing this live. We are reading it thousands of years later.

He goes on to challenge them, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (vs. 31-32). They answer, “We’re not enslaved. We’re free because we’re Abraham’s children.” Jesus presses in, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is the slave of sin” (v. 34).

Then he gets after the Abraham argument, “I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you” (v. 37). They come back at Him, “Abraham is our father.” (v. 39). Then it gets really dicey, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works Abraham did,but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did” (vs. 39-40). Finally, Jesus says, “You are of your father the devil” (v. 44).

Do we remember Jesus spoke to people like that? He charges them, “You can’t hear Me. You can’t understand Me because you are of the devil.” Verse 47, “Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” They respond by getting after Jesus, “You have a demon”, referring to verse 48. “Who do you make yourself out to be?” they asked (v. 53). Jesus responds, “’Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.’ So the Jews said to him, ‘You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am’” (verses 56-58). Remember, the term “I am” was how God described Himself to Moses at the burning bush. Jesus just equates Himself with God Himself. The Jews picked up stones to stone Him, but He got away.

I realize most of us reading this are Christians. We have reconciled these things in our mind, but if you are not and you are reading this, go back and read the arguments being made by the Jews and the arguments being made by Jesus. Who do you believe?

Throughout the Book of John, Jesus will make His case. This is not about what other people have said about Jesus. This is not about what the church has said about Jesus. This about what Jesus is saying of Himself. May we have ears to hear. I have heard some people say over the years, “I can’t wait to ask God a few questions.” Good luck. Let’s pray.

Father, we thank You for this chapter in the Book of John. We thank You, Jesus answered every argument about who He is. May the truth of these words settle in our own hearts. You say, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (vs. 31-32). May Your truth set us free today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

We invite you to watch the “Great News” video on this page and find out more about God’s love for you and how you can receive forgiveness and eternal life – today!

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The Prayer of Salvation

Jesus, I don't know You, and I don't know what Your plan is for me. But thank you for coming to die in my place. I'm sorry for anything I've ever done wrong in my life. I don't understand how You could ever forgive me, but if You really would, I would like to accept your free gift of grace and complete forgiveness. Please come into my life and take control, and help me trust You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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