I Saw the Light

In Chapters 7, 8 and 9 of John the whole narrative occurs with the backdrop of the Feast of Tabernacles

Jesus tells those He is teaching that if they are thirsty to come to Him and drink and He will give them living water (7.37-39)

Remember the priests would draw water from the pool of Siloam and pour it over the altar…

As Jesus was teaching the religious leaders brought in a woman “caught” in the act of adultery - no one would condemn her and Jesus restored her by showing grace and mercy…

John 8:12 CSB

12 Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.”

John 9:1–7 CSB

1 As he was passing by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” Jesus answered. “This came about so that God’s works might be displayed in him. 4 We must do the works of him who sent me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 After he said these things he spit on the ground, made some mud from the saliva, and spread the mud on his eyes. 7 “Go,” he told him, “wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”). So he left, washed, and came back seeing.

Chapter 7 verse 37 tells us that Jesus went up on the last day of the festival

The encounter with the woman takes place the next day which verse 12 picks up directly after telling her to go and sin no more…

When the Temple was still standing, great pillars like candelabra were erected and illumined in the Court of Women. Levite youths poured oil into the basins for the different branches of the candelabra, and worn-out priestly undergarments made of linen acted as wicks. Because the Temple stood atop a hill, the blazing candles illuminated the city below. This glorious blaze of fire recalled to the Israelites God’s Shekinah, the pillar of fire that accompanied them throughout their wanderings in the wilderness.

These great lights would have just been extinguished so this is the context where Jesus makes this, I Am statement

We need light to live.

We need light to see.

We need to shine the light in the world.

Matthew 5:14–16 CSB

14 “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Isaiah 9:2 CSB

2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness.