John 8:12-30 Jesus Talking About Himself

My commentary said that during the Feast of Tabernacles, “a huge candelabra was lighted in the Temple at night to remind the people of the pillar of fire that had guided Israel in their wilderness journey.”  Jesus was speaking just after this feast concluded, so He quite possibly was using this imagery as a type of Himself.  “I am the light of the world.  The person who follows Me will never live in darkness but will have the light that gives life.”  Following Him meant believing in Him and trusting Him, and the results are life and light for the believer, according to my commentary.

Unbelievers prefer the darkness and walk in darkness because they do not know God and they do not want God knowing what they are doing, although nothing can be hidden from Him. 

In the following section, Jesus plainly spoke of His divinity:  “I am from above … I don’t belong to this world.”  There were several “I am” references in here, lots of references to the Father, reminders that He would be lifted up, as well as His assurances that the Father had sent him.  But what spoke volumes to me were His words about His relationship with His Father:  “I say only what the Father has taught Me.  The One who sent Me is with Me.  I always do what is pleasing to Him, so He has not left Me alone.”

We have to have a relationship that close to Christ as well.  As my commentary said, “We either walk in the light and have eternal life, or walk in the darkness and experience eternal death.”

Father God, keep me close to You.  Help me to do what is pleasing to You.  Stoke up our relationship.  Help me to let others see Your Son living through me.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford