Jesus Is

John 1:^4&14 “The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone… So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.”

Over the next few days, we are going to be studying John 8:1-30 [please read]. Our study and discussion over the next few days is going to take an interesting twist because Jesus is getting very personal with us. John 8:^1-2 “Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them.” When the Bible says back again, it is because this is the same temple where the festival of shelters took place the previous day. Where Jesus shouted and caused a stir by claiming that if any of them thirsts, they should come to Him. And they looked at this man in His thirties making such claims. These were men in their fifties, sixties, and seventies that were learned. Jesus caused a stir that would have cost Him His life, but they could not touch Him because His time had not yet come. Yet, Jesus went back to the same temple the very next day.

John 8:¹² “Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” This same Jesus said to them just the day before that, if anyone thirsts, they should come to Him and drink. Now this same Jesus, in the same temple, one day after is saying to the same crowd, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” It is important to know the background, then Jesus’ statements will begin to come alive and why He made such statements when He did. After the feast of the Tabernacle, the illumination of the temple was celebrated. During the ceremony, the Torah scrolls are taken away and replaced with candlesticks [with lights].

Then they would read; Prov.6:²³ “For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way to life.” Ps.119:¹⁰⁵ “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Isa.60:¹ ““Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you.” These scriptures point to Jehovah as the light. Then Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world, I am the Word that is the light unto your path, and I am that glory of God that is rising upon you.’ If Jesus was not who He claimed to be, at that point they would have killed Him. After reading those scriptures, they say a prayer in pronouncement of the fact that God was going to send a Messiah. God was not going to leave His people without help, God was going to send the Saviour. Light was another name for the Messiah. Please read Isa.9:1-2 and Isa.42:6; these are Messianic prophecies. And Jesus shows up and says to them, “I am the light of the world.” They had to ask, ‘who are you?’ and Jesus said, ‘I am who I have  been saying I am from the beginning.’ Jesus will pass for a Nigerian, always answering questions with questions.

Prayer: Father, help me believe You no matter what because You are truth, in Jesus Name. Amen!