Scripture Lesson
By Sister Deborah Hillman
Scripture Lesson Text: John 8: 12-27
Related Scriptures: John 1: 1-4; 5: 19-30; 12: 32-36; Matthew 5: 14-16
In this week’s lesson text, we learn that Jesus is the Light of the World, and that He was sent to earth by His Father to atone for the sins of humanity. As stated in vs. 23, Jesus is from above “heaven”, and man is from beneath, that ye are of this world, but Jesus is not of this world.
In the related scriptures, John 1:1-4 reminds us that in the beginning was the Word and the Word was God. That everything He spoke into existence was made by God, and that nothing was created except through Him. His word gave life and brought light to the world. John 5: 19-30 emphasizes that God sent His Son to bear the sins of man, and that everything the Son does is done by seeing what His Father has done. Jesus was given absolute authority over mankind and the importance of understanding the Son is sent by the Father to carry out his will, and that nothing is done on his own but comes and goes through the Father.
John 12: 32-36 tells us that the Son of man will be lifted up into heaven and that all men will draw nigh to Him. The people didn’t understand what Jesus was saying they thought He would forever live with them. Jesus then said walk in the light as it will be for a little while with you so that ye may become children of the light. Matthew 5: 14-16 speaks of the light of Jesus saying that light can not be hidden, but rather let our light so shine that our Father in heaven will be glorified.
Synopsis
By Sister Raufu Spagnoletta
Our lesson opens wth one of seven, “I AM” sayings of Jesus found in the book of John. “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12) Jesus’ claim would have reminded the Pharisees of historic and prophetic light in the Jewish experience from the pillar of fire and cloud to Shekinah’s glory (2 Chron. 7:1), which had departed the temple little by little at Israel’s rejection (Ezek. 10:18). Jesus now stood among the people, declaring that the “light of the world” had reappeared; He (God’s Shekinah glory) had come to fill the hearts of the people” (Jeremiah Study Bible, Worthy).
The religious leaders infuriated by Jesus’ bold claim, accused Him of promoting Himself and of violating the law that required confirmation by two or three witnesses (cf. Deut. 17:6; 19:15). Jesus defended His claim and gave several reasons why it was actually valid (John 8:13-20). Jesus warned that apart from trusting in Him, they would die in their trespasses and sin (John 8:21-24). Jesus had presented sufficient proof of His divine nature, but in spiritual ignorance. “They understood not that He spake to them of the Father.” (John 8:25-27)
Just as darkness cannot exist in the presence of light, sin cannot exist in the presence of a holy God. If we want to live in a right relationship with God, maintaining continuous and uninterrupted fellowship with Him, we must “be quick” to confess our sins. To claim that we belong to God but then live to ourselves is hypocrisy. (1 John 1:5-10) God will expose and judge such deceit!
Practical Application
By Brother Marshal Arnwine
As a nation we have witnessed a global Covid-19 pandemic, the continued fight for racial justice, and a despicable insurrection on our nation’s capital. We are truly living in dark times. We as a nation have drifted and turned our backs on Christ’s teachings. Jesus is the center and primary source of all life and only He can give us the light of life through these dark times. Therefore, as believers we must remind this nation that Jesus is the light of the world both through our words and actions.
Living in darkness can be frightening. What is even more frightening is that John 8:24 mentions there are people who are at risk of dying in their sins because they do not believe Jesus Christ is who He says He is. As believers of Christ, we too must be careful not to lose sight of Christ’s light in our daily lives because the darkness in this sinful world is always attempting to obscure Jesus’ light. As believers, we have the light of Jesus to guide and sustain us in our daily lives. Believers must be committed to the process of walking in the light of Christ, rather than in darkness.
As we walk in sync with the light of Christ, others will see the manifestation of what Jesus’ light has done in our lives and others will want to inquire about who gave us our light. The way we live our lives as believers may be the first encounter of Jesus’ light they may ever witness. Just as a plant cannot grow without adequate exposure to sunlight, a person cannot grow in their relationship with God without the light of Jesus. As believers, may we boldly take on the assignment of exposing this dark world to the glorious light of Jesus Christ. For Jesus indeed is the light of the world!
