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John Chapter
Eight
John 8
In chapter 8
as we have said
the word of Jesus is
rejected; and
in chapter 9
His works. But there is much more than that. The
personal glories of chapter 1 are reproduced and developed in all these
chapters separately (leaving out for the moment from verse 36 to 51 of chapter
1): we have found again the verses 14-34 in chapters 5
6
and 7. The Holy
Ghost now returns to the subject of the first verses in the chapter. Christ is
the Word; He is the life
and the life which is the light of men. The three
chapters that I have now pointed out speak of what He is in grace for men
while still declaring His right to judge. The Spirit here (in chap. 8) sets
before us that which He is in Himself
and that which He is to men (thus putting
them to the test
so that in rejecting Him they reject themselves
and shew
themselves to be reprobate).
Let us now consider our chapter. The contrast with Judaism is evident.
They bring a woman whose guilt is undeniable. The Jews
in their wickedness
bring her forward in the hope of confounding the Lord. If He condemned her
He
was not a Saviour-the law could do as much. If He let her go
He despised and
disallowed the law. This was clever; but what avails cleverness in the presence
of God who searches the heart? The Lord allows them to commit themselves
thoroughly by not answering them for awhile. Probably they thought He was
entangled. At last He says
"He that is without sin among you
let him
first cast the stone." Convicted by their conscience
without honesty and
without faith
they quit the scene of their confusion
separating from each
other
each caring for himself
caring for character not conscience
and
departing from Him who had convicted them; he who had the most reputation to
save going out first. What a sorrowful picture! What a mighty word! Jesus and
the woman are left together alone. Who can stand unconvicted in His presence?
With regard to the woman
whose guilt was known
He does not go beyond the
Jewish position
except to preserve the rights of His own Person in grace.
This is not the same thing as in Luke 7
plenary pardon
and salvation. The others could not condemn her-He would not. Let her go
and
let her sin no more. It is not the grace of salvation that the Lord exhibits
here. He does not judge
He was not come for this; but the efficacy of the
pardon is not the subject of these chapters-it is the glory here of His Person
in contrast with all that is of the law. He is the light
and by the power of
His word He entered as light into the conscience of those who had brought the
woman.
For the Word was light; but that was not all. Coming into
the world
He was (chap. 1:4-10) the light. Now it was the life that was the
light of men. It was not a law that made demands
and condemned; or that
promised life on obedience to its precepts. It was the Life itself which was
there in His Person
and that life was the light of men
convincing them
and
perhaps
judging them; but it was as light. Thus Jesus says here-in contrast
with the law
brought by those who could not stand before the light-"I am
the light of the world" (not merely of the Jews). For in this Gospel we
have what Christ is essentially in His Person
whether as God
the Son come
from the Father
or Son of man-not what God was in special dealings with the
Jews. Hence He was the object of faith in His Person
not in dispensational
dealings. Whoso followed Him should have the light of life. But it was in Him
in His Person
that it was found. And He could bear record of Himself
because
although He was a man there
in this world
He knew whence He came and whither
He was going. It was the Son
who came from the Father and was returning to Him
again. He knew it
and was conscious of it. His testimony
therefore
was not
that of an interested person which one might hesitate to believe. There was
in
proof that this man was the One whom He represented Himself to be
the
testimony of the Son (His own)
and the testimony of the Father. If they had
known Him
they would have known the Father.
At that time-in spite of such testimony as this-no one
laid hands on Him: His hour was not yet come. That only was wanting; for their
opposition to God was certain
and known to Him. This opposition was plainly
declared (v. 19-24); consequently
if they believed not
they would die in
their sins. Nevertheless He tells them that they shall know who He is
when He
shall have been rejected and lifted up on the cross
having taken a very
different position as the Saviour
rejected by the people and unknown of the
world; when no longer presented to them as such
they should know that He was
indeed the Messiah
and that He was the Son who spoke to them from the Father.
As He spake these words
many believed on Him. He declares to them the effect
of faith
which gives occasion to the true position of the Jews being
manifested with terrible precision. He declares that the truth would set them
free
and that if the Son (who is the truth) should set them free
they would
be free indeed. The truth sets free morally before God. The Son
by virtue of
the rights that were necessarily His
and by inheritance in the house
would
place them in it according to those rights
and that in the power of divine
life come down from heaven-the Son of God with power as resurrection declared
it. In this was the true setting free.
Piqued at the idea of bondage
which their pride could not bear
they
declare themselves to be free
and never to have been in bondage to any one. In
reply
the Lord shews that those who commit sin are the servants (slaves) of
sin. Now
as being under the law
as being Jews
they were servants in the
house: they should be sent away. But the Son had inalienable rights; He was of
the house and would abide in it for ever. Under sin
and under the law
was the
same thing for a child of Adam; he was a servant. The apostle shews this in
Romans 6 (compare chaps. 7 and 8) and in Galatians 4 and 5. Moreover
they were
neither really
nor morally
the children of Abraham before God
although they
were so according to the flesh; for they sought to kill Jesus. They were not
children of God; had they been
they would have loved Jesus who came from God.
They were the children of the devil and would do his works.
Observe here
that to understand the meaning of the word
is the way to apprehend the force of the words. One does not learn the
definition of words and then the things; one learns the things
and then the
meaning of the words is evident.
They begin to resist the testimony
conscious that He was
making Himself greater than all those whom they had leant upon. They rail upon
Him because of His words; and by their opposition the Lord is induced to
explain Himself more clearly; until
having declared that Abraham rejoiced to
see His day
and the Jews applying this to His age as man
He announces
positively that He is the One who calls Himself I am-the supreme name of God
that He is God Himself-He whom they pretended to know as having revealed
Himself in the bush.
Wondrous revelation! A despised
rejected man
despised
and rejected by men
contradicted
ill-treated
yet it was God Himself who was
there. What a fact! What a total change! What a revelation to those who
acknowledged Him
or who know Him! What a condition is theirs who have rejected
Him
and that because their hearts were opposed to all that He was
for He did
not fail to manifest Himself! What a thought
that God Himself has been here!
Goodness itself! How everything vanishes before Him!-the law
man
his
reasonings. Everything necessarily depends on this great fact. And
blessed be
His name! this God is a Saviour. We are indebted to the sufferings of Christ
for knowing it. And note here
how the setting aside formal dispensations from
God
if true
is by the revelation of Himself
and so introduces infinitely greater
blessing.
But here He presents Himself as the Witness
the Word
the Word made flesh
the Son of God
but still the Word
God Himself. In the
narrative at the beginning of the chapter He is a testimony to the conscience
the Word that searches and convicts. Verse 18
He bears testimony with the
Father. Verse 26
He declares in the world that which He has received of the
Father
and as taught of God He has spoken. Moreover the Father was with Him.
Verses 32
33
the truth was known by His word
and the truth made them free.
Verse 47
He spoke the words of God. Verse 51
His word
being kept
preserved
from death. Verse 58
it was God Himself
the Jehovah whom the fathers knew
that spoke.
Opposition arose from its being the word of truth (v.
45). Opposers were of the adversary. He was a murderer from the beginning
and
they would follow him; but as the truth was the source of life
so that which
characterised the adversary was
that he abode not in the truth: there is no
truth in him. He is the father and the source of lies
so that
if falsehood
speaks
it is one belonging to him that speaks. Sin was bondage
and they were
in bondage by the law. (Truth
the Son Himself
made free.) But
more than
that
the Jews were enemies
children of the enemy
and they would do his
works
not believing the words of Christ because He spoke the truth. There is
no miracle here; it is the power of the word
and the living word is God
Himself: rejected by men
He is
as it were
compelled to speak the truth
to
reveal Himself
hidden at once and manifested
as He was in the flesh-hidden as
to His glory
manifested as to all that He is in His Person and in His grace.
── John Darby《Synopsis of John》
John 8
Chapter Contents
The Pharisees and the adulteress. (1-11) Christ's
discourse with the Pharisees. (12-59)
Commentary on John 8:1-11
(Read John 8:1-11)
Christ neither found fault with the law
nor excused the
prisoner's guilt; nor did he countenance the pretended zeal of the Pharisees.
Those are self-condemned who judge others
and yet do the same thing. All who
are any way called to blame the faults of others
are especially concerned to
look to themselves
and keep themselves pure. In this matter Christ attended to
the great work about which he came into the world
that was
to bring sinners
to repentance; not to destroy
but to save. He aimed to bring
not only the
accused to repentance
by showing her his mercy
but the prosecutors also
by
showing them their sins; they thought to insnare him
he sought to convince and
convert them. He declined to meddle with the magistrate's office. Many crimes merit
far more severe punishment than they meet with; but we should not leave our own
work
to take that upon ourselves to which we are not called. When Christ sent
her away
it was with this caution
Go
and sin no more. Those who help to save
the life of a criminal
should help to save the soul with the same caution.
Those are truly happy
whom Christ does not condemn. Christ's favour to us in
the forgiveness of past sins should prevail with us
Go then
and sin no more.
Commentary on John 8:12-16
(Read John 8:12-16)
Christ is the Light of the world. God is light
and
Christ is the image of the invisible God. One sun enlightens the whole world;
so does one Christ
and there needs no more. What a dark dungeon would the
world be without the sun! So would it be without Jesus
by whom light came into
the world. Those who follow Christ shall not walk in darkness. They shall not
be left without the truths which are necessary to keep them from destroying
error
and the directions in the way of duty
necessary to keep them from
condemning sin.
Commentary on John 8:17-20
(Read John 8:17-20)
If we knew Christ better
we should know the Father
better. Those become vain in their imaginations concerning God
who will not
learn of Christ. Those who know not his glory and grace
know not the Father
that sent him. The time of our departure out of the world
depends upon God.
Our enemies cannot hasten it any sooner
nor can our friends delay it any
longer
than the time appointed of the Father. Every true believer can look up
and say with pleasure
My times are in thy hand
and better there than in my
own. To all God's purposes there is a time.
Commentary on John 8:21-29
(Read John 8:21-29)
Those that live in unbelief
are for ever undone
if they
die in unbelief. The Jews belonged to this present evil world
but Jesus was of
a heavenly and Divine nature
so that his doctrine
kingdom
and blessings
would not suit their taste. But the curse of the law is done away to all that
submit to the grace of the gospel. Nothing but the doctrine of Christ's grace
will be an argument powerful enough
and none but the Spirit of Christ's grace
will be an agent powerful enough
to turn us from sin to God; and that Spirit
is given
and that doctrine is given
to work upon those only who believe in
Christ. Some say
Who is this Jesus? They allow him to have been a Prophet
an
excellent Teacher
and even more than a creature; but cannot acknowledge him as
over all
God blessed for evermore. Will not this suffice? Jesus here answers
the question. Is this to honour him as the Father? Does this admit his being
the Light of the world
and the Life of men
one with the Father? All shall
know by their conversion
or in their condemnation
that he always spake and
did what pleased the Father
even when he claimed the highest honours to himself.
Commentary on John 8:30-36
(Read John 8:30-36)
Such power attended our Lord's words
that many were
convinced
and professed to believe in him. He encouraged them to attend his
teaching
rely on his promises
and obey his commands
notwithstanding all
temptations to evil. Thus doing
they would be his disciples truly; and by the
teaching of his word and Spirit
they would learn where their hope and strength
lay. Christ spoke of spiritual liberty; but carnal hearts feel no other
grievances than those that molest the body
and distress their worldly affairs.
Talk to them of their liberty and property
tell them of waste committed upon
their lands
or damage done to their houses
and they understand you very well;
but speak of the bondage of sin
captivity to Satan
and liberty by Christ;
tell of wrong done to their precious souls
and the hazard of their eternal
welfare
then you bring strange things to their ears. Jesus plainly reminded
them
that the man who practised any sin
was
in fact
a slave to that sin
which was the case with most of them. Christ in the gospel offers us freedom
he has power to do this
and those whom Christ makes free are really so. But
often we see persons disputing about liberty of every kind
while they are
slaves to some sinful lust.
Commentary on John 8:37-40
(Read John 8:37-40)
Our Lord opposed the proud and vain confidence of these Jews
showing that their descent from Abraham could not profit those of a contrary
spirit to him. Where the word of God has no place
no good is to be expected;
room is left there for all wickedness. A sick person who turns from his
physician
and will take neither remedies nor food
is past hope of recovery.
The truth both heals and nourishes the hearts of those who receive it. The
truth taught by philosophers has not this power and effect
but only the truth
of God. Those who claim the privileges of Abraham
must do Abraham's works;
must be strangers and sojourners in this world; keep up the worship of God in
their families
and always walk before God.
Commentary on John 8:41-47
(Read John 8:41-47)
Satan prompts men to excesses by which they murder
themselves and others
while what he puts into the mind tends to ruin men's
souls. He is the great promoter of falsehood of every kind. He is a liar
all
his temptations are carried on by his calling evil good
and good evil
and
promising freedom in sin. He is the author of all lies; whom liars resemble and
obey
with whom all liars shall have their portion for ever. The special lusts
of the devil are spiritual wickedness
the lusts of the mind
and corrupt
reasonings
pride and envy
wrath and malice
enmity to good
and enticing
others to evil. By the truth
here understand the revealed will of God as to
the salvation of men by Jesus Christ
the truth Christ was now preaching
and
which the Jews opposed.
Commentary on John 8:48-53
(Read John 8:48-53)
Observe Christ's disregard of the applause of men. those
who are dead to the praises of men can bear their contempt. God will seek the
honour of all who do not seek their own. In these verses we have the doctrine
of the everlasting happiness of believers. We have the character of a believer;
he is one that keeps the sayings of the Lord Jesus. And the privilege of a
believer; he shall by no means see death for ever. Though now they cannot avoid
seeing death
and tasting it also
yet they shall shortly be where it will be
no more forever
Exodus 14:13.
Commentary on John 8:54-59
(Read John 8:54-59)
Christ and all that are his
depend upon God for honour.
Men may be able to dispute about God
yet may not know him. Such as know not
God
and obey not the gospel of Christ
are put together
2 Thessalonians 1:8. All who rightly know
anything of Christ
earnestly desire to know more of him. Those who discern the
dawn of the light of the Sun of Righteousness
wish to see his rising.
"Before Abraham was
I AM." This speaks Abraham a creature
and our
Lord the Creator; well
therefore
might he make himself greater than Abraham.
I AM
is the name of God
Exodus 3:14; it speaks his self-existence; he is
the First and the Last
ever the same
Revelation 1:8. Thus he was not only before
Abraham
but before all worlds
Proverbs 8:23; John 1:1. As Mediator
he was the
appointed Messiah
long before Abraham; the Lamb slain from the foundation of
the world
Revelation 13:8. The Lord Jesus was made of God
Wisdom
Righteousness
Sanctification
and Redemption
to Adam
and Abel
and
all that lived and died by faith in him
before Abraham. The Jews were about to
stone Jesus for blasphemy
but he withdrew; by his miraculous power he passed
through them unhurt. Let us stedfastly profess what we know and believe
concerning God; and if heirs of Abraham's faith
we shall rejoice in looking
forward to that day when the Saviour shall appear in glory
to the confusion of
his enemies
and to complete the salvation of all who believe in him.
── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on John》
John 8
Verse 6
[6] This
they said
tempting him
that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped
down
and with his finger wrote on the ground
as though he heard them not.
That they might have to accuse him — Either of usurping the office of a judge
if he condemned her
or of
being an enemy to the law
if he acquitted her.
Jesus stooping down
wrote with his finger on
the ground — God wrote once in the Old Testament;
Christ once in the New: perhaps the words which he afterward spoke
when they
continued asking him. By this silent action
he
1
fixed their wandering
hurrying thoughts
in order to awaken their consciences: and
2
signified that
he was not then come to condemn but to save the world.
Verse 7
[7] So when they continued asking him
he lifted up himself
and said unto
them
He that is without sin among you
let him first cast a stone at her.
He that is without sin — He that is not guilty: his own conscience being the judge) either of the
same sin
or of some nearly resembling it; let him - as a witness
cast the
first stone at her.
Verse 9
[9] And
they which heard it
being convicted by their own conscience
went out one by
one
beginning at the eldest
even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone
and
the woman standing in the midst.
Beginning at the eldest — Or the elders.
Jesus was left alone — By all those scribes and Pharisees who proposed the question. But many
others remained
to whom our Lord directed his discourse presently after.
Verse 10
[10] When
Jesus had lifted up himself
and saw none but the woman
he said unto her
Woman
where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
Hath no man condemned thee? — Hath no judicial sentence been passed upon thee?
Verse 11
[11] She said
No man
Lord. And Jesus said unto her
Neither do I condemn
thee: go
and sin no more.
Neither do I condemn thee — Neither do I take upon me to pass any such sentence. Let this
deliverance lead thee to repentance.
Verse 12
[12] Then
spake Jesus again unto them
saying
I am the light of the world: he that
followeth me shall not walk in darkness
but shall have the light of life.
He that followeth me shall in nowise walk in
darkness — In ignorance
wickedness
misery: but
shall have the light of life - He that closely
humbly
steadily follows me
shall have the Divine light continually shining upon him
diffusing over his
soul knowledge
holiness
joy
till he is guided by it to life everlasting.
Verse 13
[13] The
Pharisees therefore said unto him
Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record
is not true.
Thou testifiest of thyself; thy testimony is
not valid — They retort upon our Lord his own words
John 5:31; if I testify of myself
my testimony
is not valid. He had then added
There is another who testifieth of me. To the
same effect he replies here
John 8:14
Though I testify of myself
yet my
testimony is valid; for I am inseparably united to the Father.
I know —
And from firm and certain knowledge proceeds the most unexceptionable
testimony: whence I came
and whither I go - To these two heads may be referred
all the doctrine concerning Christ. The former is treated of John 8:16
etc.
the latter John 8:21
etc.
For I know whence I came — That is
For I came from God
both as God and as man. And I know it
though ye do not.
Verse 15
[15] Ye
judge after the flesh; I judge no man.
Ye judge after the flesh — As the flesh
that is
corrupt nature dictates.
I judge no man —
Not thus; not now; not at my first coming.
Verse 16
[16] And
yet if I judge
my judgment is true: for I am not alone
but I and the Father
that sent me.
I am not alone — No
more in judging
than in testifying: but I and the Father that sent me - His
Father is in him
and he is in the Father
John 14:10
11; and so the Father is no more
alone without the Son
than the Son is without the Father
Proverbs 8:22
23
30. His Father and he are not
one and another God
but one God
(though distinct persons
) and so inseparable
from each other. And though the Son came from the Father
to assume human
nature
and perform his office as the Messiah upon earth
as God is sometimes
said to come from heaven
for particular manifestations of himself; yet Christ
did not leave the Father
nor the Father leave him
any more than God leaves
heaven when he is said to come down to the earth.
Verse 17
[17] It
is also written in your law
that the testimony of two men is true.
Verse 19
[19] Then
said they unto him
Where is thy Father? Jesus answered
Ye neither know me
nor my Father: if ye had known me
ye should have known my Father also.
Then said they to him
Where is thy Father?
Jesus answered - Showing the perverseness of their question; and teaching that
they ought first to know the Son
if they would know the Father.
Where the Father is — he
shows
John 8:23. Meantime he plainly intimates that
the Father and he were distinct persons
as they were two witnesses; and yet
one in essence
as the knowledge of him includes the knowledge of the Father.
Verse 23
[23] And
he said unto them
Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world;
I am not of this world.
Ye are —
Again he passes over their interruption
and proves what he advanced
John 8:21.
Of them that are beneath — From the earth.
I am of them that are above — Here he directly shows whence he came
even from heaven
and whither he
goes.
Verse 24
[24] I
said therefore unto you
that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not
that I am he
ye shall die in your sins.
If ye believe not that I AM — Here (as in John 8:58) our Lord claims the Divine name
I
AM
Exodus 3:14. But the Jews
as if he had stopped
short
and not finished the sentence
answered
Who art thou?
Verse 25
[25] Then
said they unto him
Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them
Even the same that
I said unto you from the beginning.
Even what I say to you from the beginning — The same which I say to you
as it were in one discourse
with one even
tenor from the time I first spake to you.
Verse 26
[26] I
have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I
speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.
I have many things to say and to judge of you — I have much to say concerning your inexcusable unbelief: but he that
sent me is true - Whether ye believe or no.
And I speak the things which I have heard
from him — I deliver truly what he hath given me in
charge.
Verse 27
[27] They
understood not that he spake to them of the Father.
They understood not —
That by him that sent him he meant God the Father. Therefore in John 8:28
29 he speaks plainly of the Father
and again claims the Divine name
I AM.
Verse 28
[28] Then
said Jesus unto them
When ye have lifted up the Son of man
then shall ye know
that I am he
and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me
I speak these things.
When ye shall have lifted up — On the cross
ye shall know - And so many of them did
that I AM - God
over all; and that I do nothing of myself - Being one with the Father.
Verse 29
[29] And
he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always
those things that please him.
The Father hath not left me alone — Never from the moment I came into the world.
Verse 32
[32] And
ye shall know the truth
and the truth shall make you free.
The truth —
Written in your hearts by the Spirit of God
shall make you free - From guilt
sin
misery
Satan.
Verse 33
[33] They
answered him
We be Abraham's seed
and were never in bondage to any man: how
sayest thou
Ye shall be made free?
They —
The other Jews that were by
(not those that believed
) as appears by the whole
tenor of the conversation.
We were never enslaved to any man — A bold
notorious untruth. At that very time they were enslaved to the
Romans.
Verse 34
[34]
Jesus answered them
Verily
verily
I say unto you
Whosoever committeth sin
is the servant of sin.
Jesus answered —
Each branch of their objection
first concerning freedom
then concerning their
being Abraham's offspring
John 8:37
etc. He that committeth sin
is
in
fact
the slave of sin.
Verse 35
[35] And
the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
And the slave abideth not in the house — All sinners shall be cast out of God's house
as the slave was out of
Abraham's: but I
the Son
abide therein for ever.
Verse 36
[36] If
the Son therefore shall make you free
ye shall be free indeed.
If I therefore make you free
ye — shall partake of the same privilege: being made free from all guilt and
sin
ye shall abide in the house of God for ever.
Verse 37
[37] I
know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me
because my word hath
no place in you.
I know that ye are Abraham's offspring — As to the other branch of your objection
I know that
ye are Abraham's
offspring
after the flesh; but not in a spiritual sense. Ye are not followers
of the faith of Abraham: my word hath no place in your hearts.
Verse 41
[41] Ye
do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him
We be not born of
fornication; we have one Father
even God.
Ye do the deeds of your father — He is not named yet. But when they presumed to call God their Father
then he is expressly called the devil
John 8:44.
Verse 42
[42]
Jesus said unto them
If God were your Father
ye would love me: for I
proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself
but he sent me.
I proceeded forth — As
God
and come - As Christ.
Verse 43
[43] Why
do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
Ye cannot —
Such is your stubbornness and pride
hear - Receive
obey my word. Not being
desirous to do my will
ye cannot understand my doctrine
John 7:17.
Verse 44
[44] Ye
are of your father the devil
and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a
murderer from the beginning
and abode not in the truth
because there is no
truth in him. When he speaketh a lie
he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar
and the father of it.
He was a murderer — In
inclination
from the beginning - Of his becoming a devil; and abode not in the
truth - Commencing murderer and liar at the same time. And certainly he was a
killer of men (as the Greek word properly signifies) from the beginning of the
world: for from the very creation he designed and contrived the ruin of men.
When he speaketh a lie
he speaketh of his
own — For he is the proper parent
and
as it
were
creator of it. See the origin not only of lies
but of evil in general!
Verse 45
[45] And
because I tell you the truth
ye believe me not.
Because I speak the truth — Which liars hate.
Verse 46
[46]
Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth
why do ye not
believe me?
Which of you convicteth me of sin? — And is not my life as unreprovable as my doctrine? Does not my whole
behaviour confirm the truth of what I teach?
Verse 47
[47] He
that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not
because ye are
not of God.
He that is of God —
That either loves or fears him
heareth - With joy and reverence
God's words -
Which I preach.
Verse 48
[48] Then
answered the Jews
and said unto him
Say we not well that thou art a
Samaritan
and hast a devil?
Say we not well —
Have we not just cause to say
Thou art
a Samaritan - An enemy to our Church
and nation; and hast a devil? - Art possessed by a proud and lying spirit?
Verse 49
[49]
Jesus answered
I have not a devil; but I honour my Father
and ye do dishonour
me.
I honour my Father — I
seek his honour only.
Verse 50
[50] And
I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.
I seek not my own glory — That is
as I am the Messiah
I consult not my own glory. I need not.
For my Father consulteth it
and will pass sentence on you accordingly.
Verse 51
[51]
Verily
verily
I say unto you
If a man keep my saying
he shall never see
death.
If a man keep my word — So will my Father consult my glory. We keep his doctrine by believing
his promises by hoping
his command by obeying.
He shall never see death — That is
death eternal. He shall live for ever. Hereby he proves that he
was no Samaritan; for the Samaritans in general were Sadducees.
Verse 54
[54]
Jesus answered
If I honour myself
my honour is nothing: it is my Father that
honoureth me; of whom ye say
that he is your God:
If I honour myself —
Referring to their words
Whom makest thou thyself?
Verse 56
[56] Your
father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it
and was glad.
He saw it — By
faith in types
figures
and promises; as particularly in Melchisedec; in the
appearance of Jehovah to him in the plains of Mamre
Genesis 18:1; and in the promise that in his
seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed. Possibly he had likewise a
peculiar revelation either of Christ's first or second coming.
Verse 57
[57] Then
said the Jews unto him
Thou art not yet fifty years old
and hast thou seen
Abraham?
Thou art not yet fifty years old — At the most. Perhaps the gravity of our Lord's countenance
together
with his afflictions and labours
might make him appear older than he really
was.
Hast thou seen Abraham — Which they justly supposed must have been
if Abraham had seen him.
Verse 58
[58]
Jesus said unto them
Verily
verily
I say unto you
Before Abraham was
I am.
Before Abraham was I AM — Even from everlasting to everlasting. This is a direct answer to the
objection of the Jews
and shows how much greater he was than Abraham.
Verse 59
[59] Then
took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself
and went out of the
temple
going through the midst of them
and so passed by.
Then they took up stones — To stone him as a blasphemer; but Jesus concealed himself - Probably by
becoming invisible; and so passed on - With the same ease as if none had been
there.
── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on John》
Chapter 8. Deliverance of an Adulterous
Woman
Obvious Sins
Hidden Sins
I. All men Have
Sinned
II. Jesus the
Light of the World
III. The Truth
Shall Make You Free
── Chih-Hsin Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》
The Light Of The World (8:12)
INTRODUCTION
1. The gospel of John records at least seven remarkable claims by Jesus... a. "I am the bread of life" - Jn 6:48 b. "I am the light of the world" - Jn 8:12 c. "I am the door" - Jn 10:9 d. "I am the good shepherd" - Jn 10:11 e. "I am the resurrection and the life" - Jn 11:25 f. "I am the way
the truth
and the life" - Jn 14:6 g. "I am the vine" - Jn 15:5 2. In making such statements
Jesus reveals much... a. About the world around us
and the lives we live b. About Himself
and what He has to offer to us 3. In this study
we will focus our attention on His claim to be "TheLight Of The World"...
a. As recorded in Jn 8:12... "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness
but have the light of life." b. Made by Jesus in the treasury of the temple (part of the Court of Women) - cf. Jn 8:20 c. In which there were "two colossal golden lamp stands
on which hung a multitude of lamps
lighted after the evening sacrifice (probably every evening during the feast of tabernacles)
diffusing their brilliancy
it is said
over all the city" - Jameison
Fausset
and Brown [As we examine the words of Jesus
we notice what is implied about theworld in which we live...] I. THERE IS DARKNESS IN THE WORLD
A. THE SYMBOLISM OF DARKNESS... 1. Used metaphorically to symbolize distress
mourning
perplexity
ignorance and death - Isa 9:1-2; Job 5:14; 12:24-25; 10:21; 17:13
2. Used figuratively of moral depravity - cf. Jn 3:19; Ro 13:12-13; Ep 5:11
B. THE REALITY OF DARKNESS... 1. Seen in the news (terrorism
war
oppression
sexual abuse
greed) 2. Viewed in the media (pornography
filthy language) 3. Experienced in life (adultery
physical and verbal abuse
false religions) 4. As described by the apostle Paul
many walk in darkness... - cf. Ep 4:17-19 a. In the futility of their minds b. Darkened in their understanding c. Alienated from the life of God d. Ignorant because of the blindness of their heart e. Past feeling
given over to lewdness f. Working all uncleanness with greediness [While there may be varying degrees of darkness in which people findthemselves
if they live in the world they must contend with darkness.To those in darkness
Jesus offers hope...] II. JESUS IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
A. HE IS THE LIGHT... 1. A claim made elsewhere in the gospel a. In the prologue - Jn 1:4-9 b. By Jesus on other occasions - Jn 9:5; 12:35
46 2. He is the light
not a light a. Indicating that He alone provides the true light b. Even as He alone provides the true and living way - cf. Jn14:6
3. As the light
Jesus is the source of life - Jn 8:12c a. The abundant life (with peace
joy
love) - Jn 10:10; cf. Jn14:27; 15:10 11
b. The eternal life (including the resurrection) - Jn 11:25;17:2
4. We must be wary of those who proclaim to offer "light" a. Some may be servants of Satan - cf. 2 Co 11:13-15 b. At best
one can only reflect what light Jesus has already bestowed B. OF THE WORLD... 1. Not for the Jews only
but for Gentiles (the nations) as well a. As foretold by the prophets - cf. Isa 49:6; 60:1-3 b. As commanded of His apostles - cf. Ac 26:15-18 2. Available to all who believe
not an elect few a. To everyone who believes in Jesus - Jn 12:46 b. To those who follow Jesus - Jn 8:12b [How wonderful to know that in a world of darkness
we can have thelight of life through Jesus Christ
the light of the world! Yet weshould reiterate that He is truly the light...] III. FOR THOSE WHO FOLLOW HIM
A. BY BECOMING HIS DISCIPLE... 1. Note the connection between following Jesus and being a disciple a. The word "disciple" means a follower
a learner b. Only those who follow Him will have the light of life c. Therefore only those who become His disciples will walk in His light 2. How one becomes a disciple (or follower) of Jesus a. It begins with faith - Jn 12:46 b. It includes baptism - cf. Mt 28:19-20; Mk 16:16 B. BY ABIDING IN HIS WORD... 1. Only by abiding in His Word... a. Are we truly His disciples (followers) - Jn 8:31 b. Do we truly have Christ - cf. 2 Jn 9 2. As we abide in His words
we not only walk in light
we become light! a. Reflecting the light of Christ - cf. Ph 2:15-16 b. Proving what is acceptable
exposing that which is not - cf. Ep 5:8-14 c. The light of the world
bringing glory to our Father in heaven - cf. Mt 5:14-16 CONCLUSION
1. Are you confused
stumbling in a morass of darkness
making a mess of your life...? a. Come to Jesus
the light of the world b. Follow Him
who will give you the light of life 2. You can become a light to others walking in darkness... a. As you reflect the light of Christ in your own life b. As you abide in His teachings
and follow His doctrine In a world of darkness
let us walk in the light of Him who leads us toboth the abundant life and eternal life...!
The Truth Shall Make You Free (8:31-36)
INTRODUCTION
1. One of the better known statements of Jesus is this: "And you shallknow the truth and the truth shall make you free." (Jn 8:32)
2. Today this popular statement is often used in a political context... a. Referring to freedom from political oppression b. Extolling the value of the free press
and freedom of expression 3. While such are notable virtues
Jesus had something else in mind... a. Freedom from something more serious than political oppression b. Truth that comes from only one source [Let's examine the context in which Jesus' statement is found (i.e.
Jn8:31-36). From a careful reading of it we first note...]
I. THE FREEDOM OF WHICH JESUS SPEAKS
A. FREEDOM FROM SIN... 1. The Jews misconstrued Jesus - Jn 8:33 a. They claimed to have never been in bondage (i.e.
political oppression) b. An odd claim in view of the present Roman occupation
and past Egyptian
Assyrian and Babylonian captivities! 2. Jesus explains the context of His statement - Jn 8:34-36 a. He is talking about the slavery of sin b. He offers freedom from the bondage of sin B. THE BONDAGE OF SIN... 1. There is the guilt of sin a. A guilt shared by everyone - Ro 3:23; 1 Jn 1:8 b. Even if one has committed only one sin (if such were possible!) - Ja 2:10-11 2. There is the power of sin a. Jesus describes how committing sin makes one a slave to sin - Jn 8:34 b. Paul illustrated the dilemma of one in bondage to the power of sin - Ro 7:14-24 [More oppressive than any kind physical slavery is the spiritual slaverythat comes from being a sinner! While man may legislate politicalfreedom
only Jesus provides freedom from the bondage of sin. How Hedoes this can be seen as we now examine...] II. THE TRUTH OF WHICH JESUS SPEAKS
A. HIS DOCTRINE... 1. The truth of which Jesus speaks is His own word or doctrine - Jn 8:31-32 2. Which offers freedom from the bondage of sin a. From the guilt of sin through the blood of Christ - cf. Mt26:28; Ep 1:7
b. From the power of sin through the Spirit of God - cf. Ro 8:1-2 12-13
B. WHICH WE MUST OBEY... 1. To be His disciples indeed - Jn 8:31; cf. Lk 6:46 2. To be set free from sin - Ro 6:17-18; cf. He 5:9 C. BEGINNING WITH BAPTISM INTO CHRIST... 1. In which we are crucified with Christ - Ro 6:3-4a
6a 2. In which we die to sin
thus freed from sin - Ro 6:6b
7
11a a. Its guilt removed by the blood of Jesus - Ac 2:38; 22:16 b. Its power weakened by the gift of the Holy Spirit - Ac 2:38;Ep 3:16
3. In which we rise to newness of life
free now to serve God - Ro