John: The Light of the World

John 8:12-59

In John’s gospel, there are seven “I am” statements. We have discussed Jesus’ declaration “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35). Later in the account, Jesus will proclaim that he is the “gate for the sheep” (John 10:7 NIV), the “good shepherd” (John 10:11), the “resurrection and the life” (John 11:25), the “way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), and “the true vine” (John 15:1). In today’s passage, Jesus states, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). The “light” exposes our sin, reveals the way to God, and shows us the right path to follow. 

John 7:53-8:11 depicts Jesus’ encounter with a woman caught in adultery. It’s a meaningful story, but scholars agree that this event does not appear in the most credible manuscripts of John’s gospel and was likely added later. We’ll explore this more in our Weekend Recharge. 

Our passage today begins with Jesus asserting that he is “the light of the world.” Let me set the context:

Light of the World
A key part of celebrating the Feast of the Tabernacles involved lighting large lamps in the temple area. Bible scholar Edwin Blum notes that the wicks were made from the worn-out garments of the priests. The crowds gathered in the lit area to sing and dance, with the lights serving as a reminder that God was with his people during their desert journeys. He was present in a pillar of cloud that led by day and a pillar of fire that burned at night (Num. 9:15-23).^[1] This setting seems to be the time and place where Jesus proclaims:

John 8:12
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

“Light” is often used as a symbol of God and his holiness (Acts 9:3; 1 John 1:5). Jesus is not one of many lights, but the “true light, which gives light to everyone” (John 1:9).

However, the Pharisees weren’t convinced that Jesus was the light. They claimed Jesus was declaring that about himself without any confirmation (John 8:13). Jesus reminds them that the Law of Moses requires two witnesses to prove that something is true, which, in this case, the two witnesses were Jesus himself (which would be enough—John 8:14)—and the Father. Jesus states, “I am the one who bears witness about myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness about me” (John 8:18). Jesus argued that if they truly knew the Father, they would also know the Son (John 8:19). 

The Pharisees believed that Jesus’ assertion that he was equal to God was blasphemy. But “no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come” (John 8:20). 

The Light Gives Freedom
Although the time for his sacrificial death had not yet come, it was imminent, so Jesus began speaking about the crucifixion. He emphasized that his mission was to do the will of the Father (John 8:28-29), telling those gathered that he would be leaving (John 8:21), and when he was “lifted up”—a reference to the cross—they would finally understand who he was (John 8:28). He repeatedly warns that if they do not believe in him, they will die in their sins (John 8:21, 24), with the primary sin being unbelief. 

In response to Jesus’ interaction with the Pharisees, three reactions occurred: Some continued to reject Jesus’ message and remained in their sins. Some did not understand what Jesus was saying (John 8:27); therefore, they continued to sin. Others heard his words and believed in him (John 8:30). 

To those who believed, Jesus shared a special message, saying, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). Jesus explained that a person who “practices sin is a slave to sin” (John 8:34). But when Jesus “sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

Rejection of the Light Confirms Spiritual Slavery
The Jews argued that since they were Jewish by birth (“Abraham is our father”—John 8:39), they were good to go. Jesus countered:

John 8:39b-41a
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. You are doing the works your father did.

The Jews responded with a subtle, cheap shot by saying, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God” (John 8:41). While emphasizing that the main issue was being Jewish by birth, they made a jab at Jesus’ paternity. Their outright rejection of the virgin birth implies that Jesus was born to a man and woman out of wedlock. 

Jesus does not acknowledge their accusation. Instead, he strikes a decisive blow to their argument:

John 8:42-47
If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here . . .You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.  But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.

Before Abraham Was, I Am
The comment that the devil was their father made the Jews react defensively. They accused Jesus of false teachings (being a Samaritan) and being demon-possessed. Here’s how Jesus responded:

John 8:49-51
Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon, but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is One who seeks it, and he is the judge. Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.”

When Jesus said that a person who follows him would never see death, the leaders doubled down. They countered, “Now we know that you have a demon!” (John 8:52). They focused on the statement that a believer would never see death and reminded Jesus that Abraham and the prophets all died (John 8:52). Jesus begins his rebuttal with this contrast: Abraham “rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad” (John 8:56). Then Jesus made the decisive statement: 

John 8:58
Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.

This “I am” claim was the last straw. They understood Jesus was equating himself with the great “I AM” of the Old Testament (Ex. 3:14). They picked up stones to kill him, but his hour had not yet come. Jesus “hid himself and went out of the temple” (John 8:59). 

Jesus is God and sovereign over all. When the time came for the cross, he would willingly take on the sins of the world, but not before the appointed hour. 

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on John 8:12-59. What did Jesus mean when he said that he was the “light of the world”? How does Jesus continue to be the “light” in your life? 

Talking to God: Thank God for the “light” that exposed your sin, showed you the way to God, and provided the way to God.

Have Questions?
Please send your questions to our team. We are happy to assist you as we study God's Word together. Submit your question below, and we'll respond shortly. Let us know if you’d like to learn more about a relationship with Jesus or if you desire spiritual counsel.

Know Jesus more intimately.
 Love Jesus more passionately.
Follow Jesus wholeheartedly.