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d) Jesus the light of the world (John 8:12-29)
JOHN 8:25-27
25 They said therefore to him, “Who are you?” Jesus said to them, “Just what I have been saying to you from the beginning. 26 I have many things to speak and to judge concerning you. However he who sent me is true; and the things which I heard from him, these I say to the world.” 27 They didn’t understand that he spoke to them about the Father.
Despite Christ’s insistence on his deity, the Jews persisted in asking, "Who are you? Give us a pointer; clarify the issue in a way that we can grasp!" Yet he had already, just before their questioning, revealed himself as clearly as possible.
Jesus replied, "From the first, I am the true God; yet you failed to understand my words. My Spirit has not gained a foothold in your hearts. You have no use for my revelations regarding my names and attributes. I am God’s incarnate word. But you do not hear me or understand, because you are from the world below, not from God. So you will not permit my Spirit to create a new attentiveness in you. That I have spoken repeatedly to you has not availed much, since you are hard-hearted. For that reason my words will judge you, even though I love you and reveal myself to you. One or two of you may begin to realize my majesty for I desire to save and revive you. God is not a liar, but he is the truth, just as I am the truth. But that truth will destroy you, since you reject the Spirit’s descent into your hearts." Still the Jews did not grasp the hidden meaning of these revelations, nor discern the import of his union with the Father. They heard his words and understood nothing, because they would not believe in him. Simple faith in him reveals to our minds his obvious truths.
JOHN 8:28-29
28 Jesus therefore said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and I do nothing of myself, but as my Father taught me, I say these things. 29 He who sent me is with me. The Father hasn’t left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.”
Jesus knew that his foes and even his disciples failed to perceive the truth about him. For the Holy Spirit had not yet been poured out. But Jesus was convinced that his lifting up on the cross would wipe away the sin of the world, while his ascension to the Father would lead to the pouring out of the Holy Spirit. At that, the knowledge of who he is would strike as lightning in the minds of Jews and Gentiles. Christ’s divinity is not to be discerned except through the Holy Spirit’s work. Logical reasoning is of little use. Rebirth alone creates evident faith, just as firm faith in Christ’s gentleness creates a second birth.
Christ did not say that he was independent complete deity, but announced at the same time his vital union with the Father, and his inability to act without his Father. Further, he does nothing of his own accord for the Father works in him. The extent of his humility is shown in his acceptance of the name "Apostle of God". Even though in the same sentence he revealed himself as the Lord of history.
Our Father is not a facile one, but simple as made plain by the Holy Spirit. By what John records of these lofty meanings, Jesus shares the awesome truth of the Trinitarian union. Then he continued, "The Father was ever with me, even now, and has not left me for a moment. The Son, in turn, never left his heavenly Father or rebelled against Him, but was obedient to His good pleasure. He came down from heaven and became man, subject to his Father’s will." What a lovely statement, "At all times I do what pleases the Father." None but the Son can utter these words, living always in accord with his Father, in the fullness of the Spirit. Jesus fulfilled the law. More than that, he was himself the perfect law of the New Testament. Yet the Jews called him a blasphemer, contradicting the law, and leading the people astray, whereas he alone has kept the law.
Do you hear the Spirit’s voice in Christ’s announcements about himself? Do you feel his majesty and humility, his freedom and his submission to the Father? Thus he wished to draw you into the fellowship of love in submission and freedom at once. He will lead you into release and service by his presence. He will be your teacher, and you will not do anything apart from him, always acting to please him.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I feel ashamed of my obstinacy, my deceit and guilt. Pardon my transgressions. Sanctify me to yield fully to the guidance of your Holy Spirit. Be my guide and teacher; open my heart and mind to your eternal love.
QUESTION:
- How did Jesus announce his constancy in the Holy Trinity?