Light of The World

By Ed Pilapil Jr.

John 8:12-20 • November 12, 2023 • English Service 10:00 AM

 

Sermon Introduction

The author once again highlights two of the claims of Jesus. One, He is the Light of the world, and two, He is one with the Father. The learner will appreciate the clarity and consistency of the author since the prologue (John 1:1-18). The writings of John, the son of Zebedee, gave clarity to his intent, which every believer should understand, believe, and proclaim. In this section, the author affirms that He is the Light of the World and the one sent by God. Some will believe Him, but others will not. Moreover, the religious of their day would seek to arrest and kill Him, as expressed in the whole account of John. The setting of the conversation is at the treasury, which could be in the temple compound.

Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

 
 
 
 

John 8:12-20

12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” 13 So the Pharisees said to him, “You are bearing witness about yourself; your testimony is not true”. 14 Jesus answered, “Even if I do bear witness about myself, my testimony is true, 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. 15 You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. 16 Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is true, for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. 17 In your Law it is written that the testimony of two people is true. 18 I am the one who bears witness about myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness about me.” 19 They said to him therefore, “Where is your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” 20 These words he spoke in the treasury, as he taught in the temple; but no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.

Notes

The author once again highlights two of the claims of Jesus. One, He is the Light of the world, and two, He is one with the Father. The learner will appreciate the clarity and consistency of the author since the prologue (John 1:1-18). The writings of John, the son of Zebedee, gave clarity to his intent, which every believer should understand, believe, and proclaim. In this section, the author affirms that He is the Light of the World and the one sent by God. Some will believe Him, but others will not. Moreover, the religious of their day would seek to arrest and kill Him, as expressed in the whole account of John. The setting of the conversation is at the treasury, which could be in the temple compound.

  1. Light of the World

    When Jesus testified that He is the light of the world and promised that all who follow will have the light of life and escape the darkness, the Pharisees questioned His testimony. In their law, there should be at least two who should testify. Otherwise, any statement with a single testimony will be deemed weak.


    12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” 13 So the Pharisees said to him, “You are bearing witness about yourself; your testimony is not true” (John 8:12-13).

  2. Judgment

    Jesus claimed that His testimony was true because of who He is and where He came from, which the Pharisees were unaware of. Their lack of knowledge of Christ makes their judgment invalid. Jesus by Himself does not judge anyone, but He judges according to the will of the Father.

    14 Jesus answered, “Even if I do bear witness about myself, my testimony is true, 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. 15 You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. 16 Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is true, for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me (John 8:14-15).

  3. Father as Witness

    Jesus would bring their attention to the law, requiring two witnesses. He claims His testimony is valid because His Father bears witness to Him. The Pharisees asked about the whereabouts of His Father. His reply was clear that they would know the Father if they knew Him.


    17     In your Law it is written that the testimony of two people is true. 18 I am the one who bears witness about myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness about me.” 19 They said to him therefore, “Where is your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” 20 These words he spoke in the treasury, as he taught in the temple; but no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come (John 8:17-20).

Application

  1. Share the Light

    Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Light of the World. He came from the Father, and He is one with the Father. We know in whom we believe in. Moreover, we share who He is and what He has done to others. Our mission is to share the Light.

  2. Biblical Judgment

    We do not judge and should not judge on our own. The Son of God does not judge by Himself; His judgment is aligned with the Father’s will. Thus, our judgment should not be based on our human opinions, but it should be founded on God’s word.

  3. His Word, Our Witness

    Jesus taught what the Father showed Him, and He executed what the Father commanded. As The Father sent him, Jesus sends those who believe in Him. We are sent to share the witness of those who first believed and our witness. Jesus is God, and there is no other way.

Reflection & Discussion

  1. What did Jesus testify about Himself that the Pharisees questioned?

  2. According to Jesus, why is His witness true?

  3. Explain the answer of Jesus when they asked about the Father.