Day 8, Chapter 8: Light of the World

Do you ever read the Bible aloud? Try that with chapter 8. The Bible was written with the expectation that it would be read aloud to others. As a result, many old familiar passages will take on a new life when you hear them with your ears as well as your eyes. As you read, try to imagine the people; try to picture Jesus and the Jews who believed in Him (v. 31). Try to picture the Pharisees who confront Jesus. See if you can’t feel the emotion rising through this whole chapter up to Jesus’ climactic statement, “’Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am’” (8:58, ESV).

This statement looks like a mistake at first. Shouldn’t Jesus have said, “before Abraham was, I was”? No, Jesus knew exactly what He was saying here--and the Pharisees did too. Jesus was declaring Himself to be the God of Abraham. And by using the phrase “I am,” He was identifying Himself as the one who spoke to Moses from the burning bush. This made the Pharisees furious. God said to Moses on that occasion, “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14). But the Pharisees and even some people today have been telling God, “You will be who I say you are.” But it doesn’t work that way. Only those willing to accept God on His terms will ever truly find Him.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You declared that whoever follows You will never walk in darkness. Shine Your light into every corner of my heart, and expose what needs to change. Help me to walk in honesty, humility, and truth. When the enemy tries to cloud my thoughts with shame or confusion, remind me that Your light brings freedom. May I reflect Your light in my words and actions so others can see Your love through me. Amen.