(A) Introduction. (Read the reference)

The Feast of Tabernacles was over. One of the most impressive features of this festival was the light shed by the four great candelabra in the court of women that each night illuminated the whole city.

Jesus was teaching at dawn in the court of women - He spoke these words while teaching in the temple area near the place where the offerings were put. v20. By the time Jesus had dismissed the woman taken in adultery the sun had risen illuminating the whole scene. It was the rising sun rather than the soft glow from the candelabra that prompted Jesus' proclamation: "I am the light of the world." v12.

(B) The dramatic proclamation. "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." v12.

This statement of Jesus contains two great truths. First of all Jesus is like the sun in being an universal light. The candelabra that were such an attractive part of the Festival of Pentecost only shed light in Jerusalem. The sun gives light to the whole world. Jesus is the light of the world. He did not come to earth for the benefit of the Jews only but to be: The true light that gives light to every man. John1v9.

Secondly Jeus resembles the sun in giving life. He is the light of life. In Genesis God's first great creative act is recorded in these words: And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. Gen1v3. Without light there is no life.

How then is Jesus the light of life?

(1) In shedding knowledge.
There is so much a blind man living in darkness never knows. A person born blind is unable to appreciate: how a smile can transform a face, the rich golden light over corn fields in August, the blue haze of bluebells in an English wood, the subtle colouring of the common pigeon, the changing character of a the humble hawthorn and so much else.

Jesus is the revealing light. He came to show us: the Father's heart of love, redemption's plan, the way of life pleasing to God and the believer's eternal reward. The Son of God has brought new life to millions upon millions and changed societies immeasurably for the better. A few weeks ago I listened to a radio program on the aboriginal peoples who live on the islands in the Torres Straight off the north coast of Australia. The anthropologists who studied the aboriginal culture of the islanders in the late 19th century were not very sympathetic to the work of Christian missionaries. The aborigines them selves describe the time that the missionaries arrived as the coming of the light.

(2) In making things beautiful.
Light from the sun brings beauty in two ways. It is responsible for all the colours that we see. This is because white light is made up of different wavelengths and each wavelength represents a colour of the spectrum from red to violet. If white light consisted of one visible wavelength we would simply see in black and white.

When the sun shines we see things at their best. On Sunday my brother Paul and I visited the gardens of two of my neighbours. They were open to public view to raise money for the local hospice. It was a gorgeous sunny summer day and we saw the gardens that were a riot of colour under ideal conditions. I have sat on the veranda of my cricket clubhouse as the sun has begun to go down and the lush, closely mown outfield has shimmered like green velvet.

Jesus can make his saints beautiful. The Ephesian elders wept as they said farewell to Paul - embracing and kissing him. What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Acts20v38. I think the humility Peter showed in accepting correction from Paul over having fellowship with Gentile Christians and then speaking on Paul's behalf at the Council at Jerusalem was beautiful. See exposition on 'The Jerusalem Council.' I saw something of the beauty of Jesus in my mother when she entertained her frail old friends to tea; in Ruth, my sister in law, sitting amongst the down and outs at the Wednesday evening meal provided by her church and involving them in her cheerful conversion; in Eddy's abundant good humour as he was frequently interrupted by a tipsy heckler during the little talk he gave after the meal; in the benign face of dear old Henry, suffering from Parkinson's disease and osteoporosis, as he tells me, "I've a lot to thank God for"; and in my friend John Skull's eagerness during the years we worked together at Pioneer Camp that young people believe and be saved.

Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me,
All his wondrous compassion and purity;
O Thou Spirit Divine, all my nature refine,
Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.

(3) By promoting growth.
The sun's warmth and brightness makes things grow. It's energy is the source of all our food. Plants fix the sun's energy by photosynthesis. That energy is stored in the plant to be released to other living things that feed upon plants. So the sun's energy works its way up the food chain. Remove the sun and everything would die.

The best way to grow as Christians is by maximum exposure to Jesus. We need to frequently read his words and to think about them, to talk to him and to listen to others as they share with us their experience of the Saviour.

It is possible to be Christians who dwell in the shadows. Plants that are never touched by the sun seldom thrive. The sickliest, weakest and most vulnerable Christians are those who fail to follow Jesus' advice: "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love." John15v9. Obedience to Jesus and fruitfulness depends upon remaining in his love.

(4) As the source of energy and power.
The sun is the ultimate source of most of our energy - fossil fuels, solar, wind, water and tidal power.

Jesus empowers and energises his followers through the gift of his Spirit. Paul prays for the Ephesians: I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Eph3v16and17. He also writes to Timothy: For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and self discipline. 2Tim1v7.

Jesus will equip us by his Spirit for the work he calls us to do and enable us to complete it effectively.

(5) By promoting health.
Sunshine is a great healer; it kills germs, heals wounds and dispels the winter blues.

Malachi writes: But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. Mal4v2. Christ, the sun of righteousness, is the pre-eminent healer. He is the Great Physician who came to earth to restore us to spiritual health by reconciling us to God.

When Jesus is absolutely central in the affections of God's people he will put paid to many nasty bugs. Where his teaching and example are revered it is difficult for an unforgiving spirit, a critical attitude, jealousy, self-centredness or haughtiness to survive. It is only when Jesus is displaced by dogma, party spirit and worldly interests that deadly diseases creep into the church - diseases that lead to death.

(6) In giving hope.
Every time the sun rises a new day dawns and, perhaps, we hope for better things. During my teaching career I had some bad days at school. As I mulled over my intractable problems on a gloomy evening they seemed insoluble. When I awoke next day to a bright new morning my difficulties never seemed to be quite so great. I found on many occasions problems that seemed insoluble could be resolved after all.

Jesus is the dayspring from on high and he came to give men and women hope of a better tomorrow. He assures his followers of a new and glorious life in the hereafter. In the words of Paul to Timothy: This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death, and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 2Timv9and10.

(C) Some key differences between Jesus and his opponents.

(1) Jesus needed no-one to corroborate his statements about himself.

The Pharisees challenged him, "Here you are appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid."

Jesus answered, "Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I come from and where I am going." v13 and 14.

(a) Jesus was aware of the authority vested in him. He knew where he came from and where he was going. He wasn't merely a prophet with a message from God. He wasn't an angelic visitor on an errand for the LORD. Jesus was the eternal Son - the ultimate spokesman of his Father in heaven. This allowed Jesus to say: "You have heard it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth." But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn him the other also." Mt38v39. Jesus was also able to tell the paralysed man lying on a mat: "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven." Mt9v2.

Only someone certain of his divine status could amend the Law of Moses, given as it was by God him self, and forgive sins.

(b) Jesus knew that power had been entrusted to him. He could say to the paralytic: "Get up, take your mat and go home" in the certainty that the man would be healed. None of Christ's opponents had such power.

(c) Jesus was aware that he was different to other men. It is often said that the holiest of God's saints are those most conscious of their sin. Jesus was able to ask his enemies: "Can any of you prove me guilty of sin?" John8v46. It would be foolish for any of us to ask that question. Our sins are only too evident to those who know us best.

(d) The quality of Jesus' life was self-authenticating even as the sun's benefits to humanity are self-authenticating. The sun doesn't need anyone to vouch for it. Its blessings are self-evident. After six days on holiday in North Norfolk when the sun did not shine due to low, grey turbulence cloud or sea fog it was a huge relief when it finally beamed down upon us. Everyone was glad. The sun did not need the moon or the stars to broadcast what a fine fellow he was. All the sun needed to do was shine and we experienced its cheering influence.

The Pharisees spoke nonsense. You might need 2 witnesses when accusing someone of a capital offence like murder. Jesus did not require witnesses to his special status. His words and deeds witnessed to it: "The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and good news is preached to the poor." Mt11v5and6.

Van Goth didn't need anyone to testify that he was a great artist. In the end his work did that. Alexander Fleming did not need to keep telling folk that he had made a great discovery. It was soon clear what penicillin would do. Jesus knew that ultimately the work he performed would prove his claims true: "When you have lifted up the Son of Man then you will know that I am the one I claim to be." v28.

Jesus said to the Jews: "You are from below, I am from above." The religious leaders were members of Adam's fallen race whereas Jesus was the only begotten of the Father and conceived by the Holy Spirit.

A great gulf existed between the moral character of Jesus and that of his opponents and all other men. It is something that John brings out more clearly than the other gospel writers and explains why his account of Jesus' ministry can make us feel uneasy. In John we sense the otherness of Jesus. We see it in:

(a) How others reacted to Jesus. The accusers of the woman taken in adultery slunk shamefaced from his presence; the soldiers who went to arrest Jesus in Gethsemane drew back and fell to the ground; Pilate made desperate efforts to release Jesus after being made aware of his claim to be the Son of God; the centurion and the other soldiers on guard at the crucifixion exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!" Mt27v54.

Jesus' incorruptible truthfulness, his immaculate purity, calm assurance, indomitable courage and over flowing benevolence struck people with awe.

(b) How Jesus reacted to others. He felt and exhibited moral loneliness. He knew what motivated the leadership in Jerusalem and would not commit himself to them. Jesus was out of sympathy with the crowd that flocked to him because they enjoyed the loaves and fishes. He was disgusted with his fellow Galileans who only believed if he performed signs and wonders. His disciples misunderstood him. On one occasion he had to tell Peter: "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling-block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." Mt16v23.

(3) In his destination.

Jesus tells the Pharisees and other leaders: "I am going away, and you will look for me, and you will die in your sin. Where I go you cannot come. v21. We learn from these words that:

(a) There was a destination that Jesus would reach. He was going home. The Pharisees probably deliberately mistook his words. They surmised that Jesus intended committing suicide whereupon he would go to hell - a place they had no intention of visiting.

Jesus was thinking of what he would attain - not what he would escape. He would return to his Father when his work was done. He looked forward to God answering his prayer: "And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began." John17v5.

What a great comfort it is to get back home - to where you belong. I enjoyed my trip with Tommy Bamber to Japan in May 2001. On May 23rd I wrote in my diary: I was glad to get back to England's green and pleasant land - to circle London and to see the parks and church spires - especially the church spires. I was even gladder to get back home. I didn't forget to give God a word of heartfelt thanks.

(b) There is a destination some will never reach. Jesus is the Great Excluder. Not all will come into the presence of God the Father. Jesus said to his opponents: "Where I go you cannot come."

Jesus excludes from eternal life all those he does not know. Some of the most chilling words that Jesus spoke are recorded by Matthew: "Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophecy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles.' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evil doers!'" Mt7v22.

(c) There is a destination all may reach. We shall arrive safely home if convinced of the truth of these Scriptures:
"For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." John6v40.

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness; but will have the light of life." John8v12.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus....... Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Heb12v2and3.

We need to look to Jesus in faith, believe in him for eternal life, follow him, walking daily in the light, and concentrate all our attention upon him so that we never grow weary and lose heart. If we have a relationship with Jesus, belong to him and he knows us then a day will dawn when we shall go to be with him where he is.

(4) In his relationship with the Father.

Jesus said of his Father: "For I always do what pleases him." v29. His opponents did not please God. Indeed they displeased God by rejecting the one he had sent.

This summer (2005) I had a camping holiday on the North Norfolk coast - a good spot for anyone interested in birds and wild flowers. One of the things I did in the evenings was sit outside my tent and observe the behaviour of the families in the vicinity. One two-year-old boy led his parents a merry dance. He was not interested in pleasing his mother or father but only him self. He shouted, jumped up and down on his camp bed, squabbled with his sister and wailed whenever he could not get his own way. If only that two-year-old realised how much happier he would be if his parents were not so stressed by his wilful misconduct. By way of contrast there was another family of five that co-existed in perfect harmony. The dark-haired mother of this group was especially competent - helping her husband erect the tent, preparing meals, taking her children on a bat hunt .... . The little girls amused themselves skipping and the son by kicking a football about. I noticed mother was never short of volunteers for washing up. When she asked her son to go back to the amenities block and pick up her anorak he did so willing. He didn't whine, "Why me - can't X go?" The members of the family were very happy together.

Christian fellowships would be happier if all the members did their best to please their Father in heaven. Trouble inevitably ensues when individuals want their own way. Immature, selfish Christians are as disruptive as that two year old!

Jesus ALWAYS did what pleased his Father and thereby experienced that peace that passeth understanding. Wherever Jesus was, whatever he was doing and whoever he was with Jesus pleased God. None of us can match the Lord in this. As I look back over my life I have a fairly clear conscience over the service rendered to my church. I have withstood some quite severe tests during my membership of the fellowship at Brockley. But as I contemplate my behaviour as a cricketer, hockey player, schoolteacher and carer of my father I know that I have by no means always pleased God. Whenever I have failed my Father in heaven and Jesus my Master I lack peace. In the final analysis I have to rely on God's grace. I need a Saviour and I am so glad that is why Jesus came to earth - to save his people from their sin.

(5) In his adherents.

Jesus said: "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am the one I claim to be..." v28. It is not altogether clear in the original Greek what Jesus means but it is certainly true that through his sacrificial death he has won millions upon millions of adherents. There are no followers of those who opposed him! Their names have vanished in the mists of time.

With harps and with viols there stand a great throng
In the presence of Jesus and sing this new song:
Unto him who hath loved us and washed us from sin,
Unto him be the glory for ever! Amen.

The passage under study illustrates four characteristics of Christ's teaching:

(1) Consistent.
When Jesus was asked by the Jews: "Who are you?"Jesus replies: "Just what I have been claiming all along." v25.

There is remarkable consistency in Christ's teaching as recorded by John. Jesus came to do God's will which was to give eternal life to all who believe in him. He would be lifted up for the benefit of mankind and subsequently return to earth to raise up and glorify his followers. That is the golden thread that runs through John's gospel.

(2) Resourceful.
Jesus affirmed: "But he who sent me is reliable, and what I have heard from him I tell the world." v26.

Jesus knew that man's redemption depended upon him. That is why he had been sent from heaven and so he had to publicise the fact. He does so with a series of remarkable images - the 'I ams' of John's gospel. Jesus is the Bread of Heaven, the Living Water, the Light of the World, the Good Shepherd, the Vine, the Resurrection and the Life and the Way the Truth and the Life.

To finish the exposition click on CONTINUED below.