CAN’T SEE, WON’T SEE
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Opening Prayer
Lord, as I come to reflect on Scripture today, give me a heart open to learning and ready to apply what your Spirit shows me.
Read JOHN 8:12–20
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
Dispute Over Jesus’ Testimony
12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world.Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
13 The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.”
14 Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. 15 You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. 16 But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. 17 In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. 18 I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.”
19 Then they asked him, “Where is your father?”
“You do not know me or my Father,” Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” 20 He spoke these words while teaching in the temple courts near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
‘… with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.’1 Take time to consider what this means to you as you come to the Light.
‘Don’t look at the sun. It will blind you.’ There were warnings galore when a rare eclipse caused great fascination across the UK. Eye masks with pinpricks were recommended to protect fragile eyes from the glory. As Jesus cries out, ‘I am the light‘ (v. 12) amid the daily lighting of lamps at the feast of Tabernacles, I wonder if part of the fracas that ensues is because truly, no one can look at God and live.
What a striking setting for Jesus to announce his identity and his invitation! For seven days, the golden candelabras have thrown light on the busy temple courtyard where worshippers bring their offerings. Joyous dancing with fiery torches has filled the nights. In an age without street lighting, the glow of celebration has lit up the city spectacularly. Then Jesus’ voice calls out in the blaze, ‘I am the light of the world.’
As the festival lights recall the pillar of fire, the guiding presence of God in the wilderness wanderings, Jesus is saying, ‘I am that presence among you now: God’s presence. Come after me on life’s journey. I will guide you always.’ Furthermore, his reach is not restricted to the Jewish temple courts: he is the Light of the World. Astonishingly, when pilgrims are about to scatter home, he claims for himself God’s ancient promise to the anointed Servant and Messiah: ‘I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.’2
No one can argue light into existence: it simply is there. He is there. Ironically, the religious leaders don’t recognize in Jesus and his work the God they claim to know. So fixated are they on religious legalism and control, that they have closed their eyes tight to God’s life-giving Light.
Apply
Is there a subtle danger that leaders holding religious torches might point them like searchlights at others, lest the shadows of their own hearts be shamefully exposed?
Closing prayer
Thank you, Jesus, for making yourself known to me and for calling me to follow you. I am grateful that there is no darkness where you lead me.
1 Ps 36:9 2 Isa 49:6
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