Christian Quest
Study 21
"I Am the Light of the World"

Reading:
John chapters 8 and 9

Commentary
More than any other New Testament writer, John draws on the mataphor of Jesus, the Son of God, as "Light". In the introductory verses of this Gospel, the writer said:
"In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. He came for a witness, that he might bear witness of the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came that he might bear witness of the light. There was the true light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man."--John 1:4-9

In chapter 8, Jesus himself describes himself as the "light of the world" which brings to man the "light of life". While Jesus did never claimed to be the Messiah-King of the Jews (for that would have been regarded as sedition against Caesar and the authority of Rome, and no doubt would bring swift repraisal), He did try to convey to the Jewish people that He was indeed the Son of God, sent to bring salvation for eternal life. Life not for this world, but in the Kingdom of Heaven. But the down-trodden and oppressed nation of Israel longed for a deliverer after the fashion of Moses who had brought their "fathers" out of Egypt. Some expected a warrior king like David. They had long held the prophesies about an everlasting kingdom to the line of David to come forth from God and set them free. So they were greatly perplexed about Jesus, who performed wondrous works like no other man, who seemed to have all the power and authority from God, but did not rise up and take up His throne to which he was heir. Instead, he promised them everlasting life in a Kingdom in heaven. Many did not comprehend this. Even His own twelve apostles did not fully understand.

How could he convey to the Jewish people that he was indeed the promised Messiah-King without breaking the Roman law and claiming to be the Messiah or King? Though he tried to convey the message of salvation in many ways, the people believed his works, but did not realize the significance of the message he preached. In these chapters of John, we see Jesus trying to impart a deeper understanding of who He is and His relationship with the Father, as demonstrated by his works, and the confusion of the people trying to understand.

Synopsis

John 8:1-11
This account of the adulterous woman and the last verse of the previous chapter (John 7:53) are not contained in the oldest and most reliable manuscripts. While the story is surely consistent with Jesus' character and teachings, its authenticity is not confirmed. Whether it was a late discovery of first century writings after the original manuscripts were compiled and added later is not known. For this reason, some translations omit the story altogether (for example, the NEB), while others set it apart from the rest of the text with a note. The RSV includes it in small type, the NASB places it between brackets, the NIV separates it with dividing lines and a note; others place the story after Luke 21:38. Some believe the story was intentionally omitted because it offended the patriarchal view at the time toward women in adultery. Whether or not the story appears in the earliest manuscripts, it is a touching story that illustrates Jesus compassion as well as His cleverness in avoiding entrapment by the pious religious leaders who sought to accuse him.

In this story, the Pharisees bring a woman caught in the act of adultery to Jesus, saying the Law of Moses requires them to stone her. They put the question to him, what should be done. If Jesus relied that she should not be stoned, they could charge him with violation of Moses' Law. (The actual law prescribed stoning only if she was a betrothed virgin; and the man was to be stoned as well. See Lev 20:10; Deut 22:22-24) On the other hand, if he replied that she should be stoned, they could accuse him of violating Roman law which did not allow Jews the authority for capital punishment. He avoided their trap by answering that the one without sin should throw the first stone. In that way he violated neither law. The story is both instructive and emphasizes Jesus' teaching of repentance and mercy.

John 8:12-30
Jesus is speaking in the treasury of the Temple. He explains: "I am the light of the world." He explains that He was sent by God and that He will return to the place from where He came. Those who don't believe will die in their sin.

John 8:31-59
Those who abide in Jesus' words will "know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (v. 32) His listeners claim Abraham to be their Father. Jesus tells them they cannot understand because their father is the devil, the father of lies. Jesus has not come to glorify himself, but rather His Father who sent Him. Yet, before He Himself was before Abraham was born. At this the listeners began to throw stones at Him so He left.

John 9:1-41
This is the story of Jesus healing a blind man in Jerusalem. The man had been blind from birth. Again Jesus said: "While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." (v. 5) Jesus made mud from dirt and spit and rubbed it on the man's eyes and told him to go wash it off in the Pool of Siloam. The man did as He was instructed and his gain sight for the first time in his life. This miracle was performed on the Sabbath and it caused a great stir among the people and the Pharisees who were anxiously seeking an excuse to have him put to death. They interrogated the man who was given his sight, and his parents. The Pharisees claimed credit for the healing should go to God for the man Jesus, they said, is a sinner. But the man who was given his sight said only a man from God could do such a miracle. The Pharisees were so incensed at this that they disfellowshipped him from the Temple. When the man found Jesus who had healed him, he believed in Him and prostrated himself before Jesus. To the Pharisees, Jesus said: "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but since you say, 'We see,' your sin remains." (John 9:41)

Optional research:

• What were the occasions when Jews made a pilgrimages to the Temple in Jerusalem.

Review questions:

• Why is the authenticity of the story about the woman caught in adultery uncertain?
• What are some lessons we learn from the story?
• How does light apply to Jesus? What is meant "I am the light of the world"?
• When Jesus spoke of His Father, who did the Jews say their father was?
• Who did Jesus say their father was?
• Who did Jesus say were His true disciples? (v. 31)
• What did Jesus say that incited the people to stone him?
• Why were the Pharisees angered about Jesus healing the blind man?
• Why did they become angry with the man who had been healed?
• Why did Jesus say the Pharisee's sins remain? (v. 41)

Optional discussion:

What was most interesting to you about these chapters?