John 8:12-20

WeDaily S.O.A.P. Prompts

S – What verse stands out to me today?

O – What is God revealing about Jesus?

A – How should this change my life today?

P – What is my prayer in response?

Scripture

(John 8:12-20, NLT)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.” 13 The Pharisees replied, “You are making those claims about yourself! Such testimony is not valid.” 14 Jesus told them, “These claims are valid even though I make them about myself. For I know where I came from and where I am going, but you don’t know this about me. 15 You judge me by human standards, but I do not judge anyone. 16 And if I did, my judgment would be correct in every respect because I am not alone. The Father who sent me is with me. 17 Your own law says that if two people agree about something, their witness is accepted as fact. 18 I am one witness, and my Father who sent me is the other.” 19 “Where is your father?” they asked. Jesus answered, “Since you don’t know who I am, you don’t know who my Father is. If you knew me, you would also know my Father.” 20 Jesus made these statements while he was teaching in the section of the Temple known as the Treasury. But he was not arrested, because his time had not yet come.

Observation

• Another I AM statement from Jesus. “I am the light of the world.”

• There is more contrast of light and darkness.

• The Pharisees attempt to challenge Jesus’ testimony because in their mind he has no witnesses. Without witnesses, his testimony “about himself” would be invalid.

• Jesus pushes back and basically tells them that his testimony is valid simply because he made them.

• Jesus goes on to state that he in fact does have a witness, and therefore his testimony is valid.

• Jesus explains that his Father makes one witness, and he makes two. In this case, Jesus isn’t talking about his earthly father. He is speaking of Father God.

• The Pharisees aren’t following. They think Jesus is speaking of his earthly father. Once again, they are missing it.

• There is indication that the religious leaders are understanding enough because John says, “But he was not arrested.”

• The repeated phrase in John is used again, “his time had not yet come.”

Application

• If there is any darkness in my life, all I have to do is invite Jesus into that place and the Light will overtake the darkness. Jesus is the light of the world.

• Witnesses help to establish the validity of a testimony.

• As I get to know Jesus better, I will get to know the Father better.

• I will use my time (Kairos) purposefully.

Prayer

Dear Lord, You bring light to all the dark places in this world, including, my own heart. Thank you for pushing back and defeating the darkness in my life. I invite you to destroy any darkness in my life, my family, my church, and my world. Each day, I desire to know you better! As I sit with you, please, impart your wisdom so that I may live more purposefully. In Jesus name, amen!

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