Who Is Jesus? (2)

Jesus makes a sensational claim about His identity - John 8:12

John 8:12 NIV

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Jesus introduces Himself as the light of the world

Light expels darkness

Darkness is actually defined as the absence of light

Jesus contrasts those who follow him with those who walk in darkness

Jesus claims that His followers will have eternal life

John declares Jesus to be light several places in his writings:

Jesus came to the world to bring light to a dark world - John 1:4-9

John 1:4–9 NIV

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

Jesus declared that men loved the darkness because their deeds were evil - John 3:19-21

John 3:19–21 NIV

This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

Jesus’ coming is hope for those in darkness - John 12:46

John 12:46 NIV

I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

The light Jesus brings provides fellowship and forgiveness of sins - 1 John 1:5-7

1 John 1:5–7 NIV

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

The Pharisees challenged Jesus’ claim - John 8:13-18

John 8:13 NIV

The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.”

Jesus counters the objection of the Pharisees with three arguments

Jesus’ testimony is valid because His knowledge is greater than theirs - John 8:14

John 8:14 NIV

Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going.

Jesus’ testimony is valid because it is the judgement of the Father and not just human ideas - John 8:15-16

John 8:15–16 NIV

You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me.

Jesus’ testimony is valid because He is confirmed by the Father who sent Him - John 8:17-18

John 8:17–18 NIV

In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.”

John 8:29 NIV

The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.”

Jesus’ message to those who believed in Him - John 8:30-32

John 8:30–32 NIV

Even as he spoke, many believed in him. To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Many believed in Jesus

Jesus defined disciples as those who hold to His teaching (the Light)

Jesus promised that His disciples would know the truth

Jesus promised that knowing the truth would be liberating

This exchange was the turning point when the religious leaders began seeking to kill Jesus - John 8:59

John 8:59 NIV

At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.

Who Is Jesus?