Faith in Christ Jesus:
2 Timothy 1:12 defines FAITH as knowing the trustworthy character and motives of Jesus, and being confident in His limitless promise-keeping ability, and consequently committing yourself entirely to His keeping. We are studying the Gospel of John, answering these questions: 1) what is revealed of Jesus’ character, motives, and abilities? 2) What is indicated that you could confidently commit to Jesus’?
John 8:1-11, 12-20.
The Adultery and The Light.
Source: Alfred Edersheim,
“The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah”
The Eighth day of the Feast of Tabernacles was actually a separate celebration concerned with the “hope of earth’s great harvest-joy in the conversion of the heathen world, pointing to the days of the Messiah”. Brilliant lighting played a prominent role in this celebration, which it was understood by all that the light referred to The Messiah! (Isaiah 42:6, 49:6, 60:3, Luke 2:32 –showing common expectation-, Also, Rev.21:23) Jesus then declares before them all Jhn 8:12 … I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Remember that our previous lesson showed the enormity and international nature of this crowd, and how Jesus invited all to quench their thirst in Him just as the water of Siloam was poured forth, and that many responded with, “This Is The Christ!” (John 7:40-42) So, the next day, when Jesus entered the temple, ALL the people came to Him, … and He taught them!
The Jewish leaders must immediately do something, anything, every thing, to publicly discredit and destroy Jesus. Today they cunningly put Him at odds with the Law of Moses by possibly creating, then using, an adultery (8:1-11). Today they crafted a fundamental judicial charge against Him, “A person is not accredited about himself” (8:13).
Two foundational issues are presented by Jesus. (1) He is The Messiah. (2) He is The Savior.
Jewish rabbis taught that Jews did not need salvation or freedom (8:33) because they are God’s chosen people! Jesus insisted on spiritual birth (John 3) and spiritual insight (John 8:15). They needed a Savior to gain those for them!
These leaders of the Jews fully understood Jesus’ claims to be the Messiah and equal with God! They fully rejected His right to rule Israel, and certainly rejected His right to rule over each person’s heart! The truth remains the same today. You need a Savior. You need Him to rule your heart and life. You may trust Him or reject Him.