John 8:12-16 (WEL) Then Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world. The one who follows me will not walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” 13 So the Pharisees said to him, “You are testifying about yourself; your testimony is not true.” 14 Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I testify about myself, my testimony is true because I know where I came from and where I go, but you cannot figure out where I came from nor where I am going. 15 “You pass judgment according to human standards; I am judging no one. 16 “But if I do judge, my judgment is true, for it is not only me but I and the Father who sent me.
V12 Then Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world. The one who follows me will not walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.”
Darkness:
Physical darkness can be frightful, messes up the circadian rhythm, affects melatonin levels messing up sleep cycles, affects serotonin levels and could cause emotional abnormalities, increased inflammation, changes in blood pressure (elevated), more easily startled, increased chance of depression and anxiety, etc. It is a symbol of sin, hidden activity as lies, deception, ignorance, etc.
Spiritual darkness usually relates to difficult knowing truth, what is truth, what is reality, increased levels of deception, seared conscience, hate for light, foolishness.
All humans are born in spiritual darkness.
Physical light can expose, provide safety, photosynthesis, activate immune properties in the skin, etc.
Spiritual light exposes, clears the mind, gives understanding, is a symbol of righteousness, peace, safety, etc.
Only those who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus alone for salvation have spiritual light.
God creates light, not darkness. Darkness is the shutting out, hiding, and absence of light.
See Proverbs 13:9, Proverbs 15:30, Ecclesiastes 3:13, Mark 4:22, John 3:19-20, and Matthew 22:13.
The Lord God is our light for us to know truth from error, fellowship with God vs separation, and making foolish decisions to wise decisions. See Psalm 27:1.
V13 So the Pharisees said to him, “You are testifying about yourself; your testimony is not true.”
This is so. Mosaic law required two or three witnesses for an accepted testimony (Deuteronomy 19:15).
V14 Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I testify about myself, my testimony is true because I know where I came from and where I go, but you cannot figure out where I came from nor where I am going.
Jesus still tells them that He is telling the truth. If they would be honest, there were a number of witnesses from John the Baptist (John 1:29-32) to God the Father (Matthew 3:17 and Matthew 17:15) and the Apostle Peter (2 Peter 1:17).
Jesus knew who He was and where He had come from and where He will go, but the people cannot figure out where He came from despite all that the prophets had foretold.
Principle: You can tell the truth and prove it, but people will still deny and reject it.
V15 “You pass judgment according to human standards; I am judging no one.
Human standards are corrupted and fickle standards. God’s standards are unchanging. These Jews are not judging by God’s standards (Scriptures), but the standards of their Pharisee teachers.
Principle: Judge by God’s standards for it is unchangeable and perfect.
V16 “But if I do judge, my judgment is true, for it is not only me but I and the Father who sent me.
Jesus states, “Even if I do judge, it is true because it is the Father’s standards.” The Father is identified as God the Father. It could not have been Joseph for 1) he was not the physical father of Jesus, 2) he was the guardian of Jesus until Jesus came of age, and 3) Joseph did not send Jesus to preach and teach.
Principle: If we reject Jesus, He will judge us.
We learn:
- Jesus clarifies the thinking of these religious Jews who do not judge by God’s standards.
- Jesus is the light for the world.
Questions:
- What is your standard for judging others?
- Has the light of Jesus affected you; in what way?