October 29, 2025
Jesus is the light of the world! (Read that again.)
John 7-9
Jennifer Marquart
Big Book Idea
Written to the world, and full of doctrine, John shows us Jesus is the savior of the world.
Key Verse | John 8:12
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
John 7-9
Chapter 7
Jesus at the Feast of Booths
1 After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews 1 7:1 Or Judeans; Greek Ioudaioi probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time were seeking to kill him. 2 Now the Jews' Feast of Booths was at hand. 3 So his brothers 2 7:3 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 5, 10 said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. 4 For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” 5 For not even his brothers believed in him. 6 Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always here. 7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil. 8 You go up to the feast. I am not 3 7:8 Some manuscripts add yet going up to this feast, for my time has not yet fully come.” 9 After saying this, he remained in Galilee.
10 But after his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly but in private. 11 The Jews were looking for him at the feast, and saying, “Where is he?” 12 And there was much muttering about him among the people. While some said, “He is a good man,” others said, “No, he is leading the people astray.” 13 Yet for fear of the Jews no one spoke openly of him.
14 About the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and began teaching. 15 The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How is it that this man has learning, 4 7:15 Or this man knows his letters when he has never studied?” 16 So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. 17 If anyone's will is to do God's 5 7:17 Greek his will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. 18 The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood. 19 Has not Moses given you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why do you seek to kill me?” 20 The crowd answered, “You have a demon! Who is seeking to kill you?” 21 Jesus answered them, “I did one work, and you all marvel at it. 22 Moses gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. 23 If on the Sabbath a man receives circumcision, so that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because on the Sabbath I made a man's whole body well? 24 Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”
Can This Be the Christ?
25 Some of the people of Jerusalem therefore said, “Is not this the man whom they seek to kill? 26 And here he is, speaking openly, and they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ? 27 But we know where this man comes from, and when the Christ appears, no one will know where he comes from.” 28 So Jesus proclaimed, as he taught in the temple, “You know me, and you know where I come from. But I have not come of my own accord. He who sent me is true, and him you do not know. 29 I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me.” 30 So they were seeking to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come. 31 Yet many of the people believed in him. They said, “When the Christ appears, will he do more signs than this man has done?”
Officers Sent to Arrest Jesus
32 The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering these things about him, and the chief priests and Pharisees sent officers to arrest him. 33 Jesus then said, “I will be with you a little longer, and then I am going to him who sent me. 34 You will seek me and you will not find me. Where I am you cannot come.” 35 The Jews said to one another, “Where does this man intend to go that we will not find him? Does he intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? 36 What does he mean by saying, ‘You will seek me and you will not find me,’ and, ‘Where I am you cannot come’?”
Rivers of Living Water
37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as 6 7:38 Or let him come to me, and let him who believes in me drink. As the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
Division Among the People
40 When they heard these words, some of the people said, “This really is the Prophet.” 41 Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Is the Christ to come from Galilee? 42 Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?” 43 So there was a division among the people over him. 44 Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.
45 The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why did you not bring him?” 46 The officers answered, “No one ever spoke like this man!” 47 The Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived? 48 Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him? 49 But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.” 50 Nicodemus, who had gone to him before, and who was one of them, said to them, 51 “Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?” 52 They replied, “Are you from Galilee too? Search and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.”
[The earliest manuscripts do not include 7:53–8:11.] 7 7:53 Some manuscripts do not include 7:538:11; others add the passage here or after 7:36 or after 21:25 or after Luke 21:38, with variations in the text
The Woman Caught in Adultery
53 [[They went each to his own house,
Chapter 8
1 but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. 3 The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst 4 they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. 5 Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” 6 This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. 7 And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. 9 But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. 10 Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”]]I Am the Light of the World
12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” 13 So the Pharisees said to him, “You are bearing witness about yourself; your testimony is not true.” 14 Jesus answered, “Even if I do bear witness about myself, my testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. 15 You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. 16 Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is true, for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father 8 8:16 Some manuscripts he who sent me. 17 In your Law it is written that the testimony of two people is true. 18 I am the one who bears witness about myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness about me.” 19 They said to him therefore, “Where is your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” 20 These words he spoke in the treasury, as he taught in the temple; but no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.
21 So he said to them again, “I am going away, and you will seek me, and you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.” 22 So the Jews said, “Will he kill himself, since he says, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come’?” 23 He said to them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.” 25 So they said to him, “Who are you?” Jesus said to them, “Just what I have been telling you from the beginning. 26 I have much to say about you and much to judge, but he who sent me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from him.” 27 They did not understand that he had been speaking to them about the Father. 28 So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. 29 And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” 30 As he was saying these things, many believed in him.
The Truth Will Set You Free
31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?”
34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave 9 8:34 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface; also verse 35 to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. 38 I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.”
You Are of Your Father the Devil
39 They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, 40 but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. 41 You are doing the works your father did.” They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. 43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”
Before Abraham Was, I Am
48 The Jews answered him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?” 49 Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon, but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. 50 Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is One who seeks it, and he is the judge. 51 Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” 52 The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.’ 53 Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?” 54 Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ 10 8:54 Some manuscripts your God 55 But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” 57 So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” 11 8:57 Some manuscripts has Abraham seen you? 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” 59 So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.
Chapter 9
Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind
1 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud 7 and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.
8 The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar were saying, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some said, “It is he.” Others said, “No, but he is like him.” He kept saying, “I am the man.” 10 So they said to him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” 11 He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed and received my sight.” 12 They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.”
13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. 14 Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. 15 So the Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, “He put mud on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.” 16 Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” And there was a division among them. 17 So they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.”
18 The Jews 12 9:18 Greek Ioudaioi probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time; also verse 22 did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight 19 and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” 20 His parents answered, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. 21 But how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.” 22 (His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess Jesus 13 9:22 Greek him to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue.) 23 Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”
24 So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, “Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.” 25 He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” 26 They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” 27 He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?” 28 And they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29 We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.” 30 The man answered, “Why, this is an amazing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. 32 Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” 34 They answered him, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?” And they cast him out.
35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 14 9:35 Some manuscripts the Son of God 36 He answered, “And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” 37 Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you.” 38 He said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him. 39 Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” 40 Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, “Are we also blind?” 41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no guilt; 15 9:41 Greek you would not have sin but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your guilt remains.
Footnotes
[1] 7:1 Or Judeans; Greek Ioudaioi probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time[2] 7:3 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 5, 10
[3] 7:8 Some manuscripts add yet
[4] 7:15 Or this man knows his letters
[5] 7:17 Greek his
[6] 7:38 Or let him come to me, and let him who believes in me drink. As
[7] 7:53 Some manuscripts do not include 7:53–8:11; others add the passage here or after 7:36 or after 21:25 or after Luke 21:38, with variations in the text
[8] 8:16 Some manuscripts he
[9] 8:34 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface; also verse 35
[10] 8:54 Some manuscripts your God
[11] 8:57 Some manuscripts has Abraham seen you?
[12] 9:18 Greek Ioudaioi probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time; also verse 22
[13] 9:22 Greek him
[14] 9:35 Some manuscripts the Son of God
[15] 9:41 Greek you would not have sin
Table of Contents
Introduction to John
Timeline
Author, Date, and Recipients
John the son of Zebedee wrote this Gospel. He was a Palestinian Jew, one of the 12 disciples, and a member of Jesus’ inner apostolic circle. He was referred to as the disciple “whom Jesus loved” (13:23). John also wrote 1–3 John and Revelation. He likely wrote his Gospel account between A.D. 70 (the date of the destruction of the temple) and A.D. 100 (the reputed end of John’s life). It was likely written from Ephesus in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire at the time. His original audience consisted of Jews and Gentiles living in the larger Greco-Roman world in Ephesus and beyond, toward the close of the first century A.D.
Theme and Purpose
The theme of John’s Gospel is that Jesus is the long-awaited, promised Messiah and Son of God. By believing in Jesus, people have eternal life (see 20:30–31).
As evidence that Jesus is the Messiah, John relies on several selected messianic signs performed by Jesus and a series of witnesses to Jesus. These include the Scriptures, John the Baptist, Jesus himself, God the Father, Jesus’ miraculous works, the Holy Spirit, and John himself.
Key Themes
- Jesus. Jesus is God, the “I am.” He existed before the creation of the world, and he has supernatural knowledge. He fulfills the Jewish festivals and institutions. As the sent Son of God, he reflects the Sender. Signs and witnesses demonstrate that he is the Messiah.
- The Trinity. Father, Son, and Spirit are united in their work of revelation and redemption.
- Salvation. God is sovereign in salvation. Jesus’ death is the basis of salvation, which is obtained through believing in the living Jesus as the Son of God
- Eternal Life. Jesus is the giver of eternal life. Believers can experience some of salvation’s benefits during this present evil age.
- Mission. Believers are called to continue Jesus’ mission.
Outline
- Prologue: The Incarnate Word (1:1–18)
- Signs of the Messiah, with Teaching about Life in Him (1:19–12:50)
- The Farewell Teaching and the Passion Narrative (13:1–20:31)
- Epilogue: The Roles of Peter and of the Disciple Whom Jesus Loved (21:1–25)
The Setting of John
The events of the Gospel of John take place in Palestine, incorporated into the Roman Empire in 63 B.C. Appointed by the Romans as king over the Jews in 37 B.C., Herod the Great ruled until his death in 4 B.C. The Romans divided his kingdom among his descendants.
Fact: So that you may believe
John wrote his Gospel “so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (20:30). In 8:24, Jesus tells his listeners that faith in him is the only way to find life (see 3:15–16; 11:25).
Fact: Living water
Fresh water that flows from a spring or stream was known as living water in Palestine (2:12–13). It was the best and purest water. Jesus says that he is the source of true living water (John 4:10–14; 7:38).
Fact: The Dispersion
The Dispersion (7:35) referred to Jewish people scattered throughout the world. Many Jews were exiled from their homeland in 722 and 586 B.C. Those taken to Babylon in 586 were later allowed to return home, but many stayed in Babylon and others moved west into Greece. After the destruction of the temple in A.D. 70, many Jews were sold into slavery and further scattered abroad.
Fact: Does sin cause illness?
Does sin cause illness? Many people in Bible times assumed that if a person suffered, it was because that person had sinned (9:2). There are consequences for sin, but suffering is not always directly caused by a person’s sin. But God can use suffering to show his power and mercy (9:3).
Fact: Abide in Jesus
To abide in Jesus means living in a daily, close relationship with him, characterized by trust, prayer, obedience, and joy. The Holy Spirit’s presence and activity within Christians gives evidence that they are abiding in Christ (John 8:31, 6:56, 15:4; 1 John 2:6, 27–28; 3:6).
The Work of the Trinity
Though the word “Trinity” does not appear in the Bible, by presenting the Father, Son, and Spirit together, all doing what no one else ever does, the Gospel of John gives us the foundation on which this doctrine is based. Observing what God says and does helps us to know him, and observing which actions are done by which members of the Godhead helps us to see which roles they play.
| Action | Father | Son | Spirit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Give life | 5:21, 26; (6:33); 17:3 | 5:21, 25–26, 40; 6:33; 17:3 | 3:6, 8; 6:63 |
| Proclaim future | 1:33 | 13:19, 26, 36–38; 14:3, 29; 16:1–4, 16–28, 32; 20:18 | 16:13 |
| Indwell believers | 14:23 | 14:20, 23; (15:4–7); 17:23, 26 | 14:17 |
| Teach | 6:45; 7:16, 17; 8:28 | 7:14; (8:2); 8:20; 13:13–14 | 14:26 |
| Testify to Jesus | 5:32, 37; 6:27; 8:18 | 8:12–14, 18 | 15:26 |
| Glorify Jesus | 5:22–23; 8:50, 54; 13:31–32; 17:1, 22 | (1:14); 2:11; 13:31–32; 17:5, 24 | 16:14 |
Actions Common to Father and Son
| Action | Father | Son |
|---|---|---|
| Glorify the Father | 4:23; 12:28; 13:31–32 | (2:16); (9:3–4); 11:40; 12:28; 13:31–32; 14:13; 17:1, 4–5 |
| Give the Spirit | 3:34; 14:16 | (4:10–14); (7:37–39); 20:22 |
| Send the Spirit | 14:26 | 15:26; 16:7 |
Actions Common to Son and Spirit
| Action | Son | Spirit |
|---|---|---|
| Be given by the Father | 3:16 | (4:10–14); 14:16 |
| Be sent by the Father | 3:17; 4:34; 5:23–24, 36; 6:29, 57; 7:28–29, 33; 8:16, 26, 29, 42; 9:4; 10:36; 11:42; 12:44–45; 13:20; 15:21; 17:3, 8, 18, 23, 25; 20:21 | 14:26; 15:26 |
| Speak not from himself | (5:19); 5:30; (6:38); 7:16; 12:49–50 | 16:13 |
| Speak only what he hears | 3:32; (3:34); (5:30); 8:26, 40; 12:50; 15:15 | 16:13 |
| Convict | 3:19–20; 4:16, 18; (5:27); (8:7); 8:34, 40; 11:40; 12:7–8; 13:8 | 16:7–11 |
| Be received | 1:12 (see 1:10–11) | 7:39 (see 14:17) |
| Disclose what belongs to God | 1:18 | 16:13–14 |
Seven Signs Pointing to Jesus as the Messiah
The first half of John’s Gospel shows that Jesus is the Messiah by way of seven signs (see 20:30–31):
| Changing water into wine | 2:1–11 |
| Healing the official’s son | 4:46–54 |
| Healing the invalid | 5:1–15 |
| Feeding the multitude | 6:5–13 |
| Walking on the water* | 6:16–21 |
| Healing the man born blind | 9:1–7 |
| Raising Lazarus | 11:1–44 |
*John does not explicitly identify this event as a sign.
Physical Items Used by Jesus to Teach Spiritual Truths
Though often misunderstood by Jesus’ hearers, these tangible metaphors explain the gospel.
| Physical Item | Spiritual Truth | References |
|---|---|---|
| Light | true knowledge and presence of God; moral purity | 1:4–5, 7–9; 3:19–21; 8:12; 9:5; 11:9–10; 12:35–36, 46; see 1 John 2:8–10 |
| Jerusalem temple | Christ’s physical body | 2:19–22 |
| Physical birth | spiritual birth: being “born again” | 1:13; 3:3–8; see 6:63; 1 John 3:9; 4:7; 5:1, 18 |
| Wind | the Holy Spirit | 3:8 |
| Water | the Holy Spirit within believers | 4:7–15; 7:37–39; see 1 John 5:6, 8 |
| Food | doing the will of God | 4:31–34 |
| Bread | Jesus himself, his life and death | 6:32–51, 58 |
| Flesh and blood | Jesus’ death | 6:53–56; see 1 John 1:7; 5:6, 8 |
| Door | path to eternal life in Jesus | 10:1–9 |
| Shepherd | Jesus’ self-sacrifice and care for his people | 10:11–18, 26–28; 21:15–17 |
| Vine | Jesus in relationship to his followers | 15:1–11 |
| Cup | God’s wrath toward sin | 18:11 |
| Breath | the Holy Spirit coming upon the disciples | 20:22 |
The “I Am” Statements of Jesus
| Absolute “I am” statements | 6:20; 8:24, 28, 58; 18:5 |
| Metaphorical “I am” statements | |
| 1. I am the bread of life | 6:35, 48, 51 |
| 2. I am the light of the world | 8:12; 9:5 |
| 3. I am the door of the sheep | 10:7, 9 |
| 4. I am the good shepherd | 10:11, 14 |
| 5. I am the resurrection and the life | 11:25 |
| 6. I am the way, the truth, and the life | 14:6 |
| 7. I am the true vine | 15:1 |
Witnesses to Jesus
| 1. John the Baptist | 5:32–36; see 1:7–8, 15, 19, 32–34; 3:26 |
| 2. Jesus’ own works | 5:36; see 10:25, 32, 37–38; 15:24 |
| 3. God the Father | 5:37–38; 8:18 |
| 4. The Scriptures, especially by Moses | 5:39, 45–47 |
| 5. Jesus himself | 3:11, 32; 8:14, 18; 18:37 |
| 6. The Spirit | 14:26; 15:26; 16:8–11, 13–14 |
| 7. The disciples, especially John | 15:27; 19:35; 21:24 |
Nicodemus
Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the powerful Jewish governing body, the Sanhedrin. He had seen the signs performed by Jesus and recognized that God was with him. Possibly to avoid being seen by his peers, Nicodemus came to Jesus at night to speak with him. Although he was a “teacher of Israel” (3:10) and knew the OT Scriptures, Nicodemus was mystified when Jesus told him that he must be born again. It was while talking with Nicodemus that Jesus made the statement recorded in 3:16, perhaps the most well-known summary of the gospel in all of Scripture. The Bible does not say whether Nicodemus responded to the gospel on this occasion. Later, however, Nicodemus defended Jesus when others wanted to arrest him (7:50–52). After Jesus’ death on the cross, Nicodemus helped Joseph of Arimathea prepare Jesus’ body for burial (19:39–40). (John 3:1–21)
John 7:2 The Feast of Booths (or Feast of Tabernacles) was celebrated in September/October. It is so named because people lived in outdoor shelters to remember God’s faithfulness to Israel during the wilderness years (Lev. 23:42–43; compare Matt. 17:4 and parallels). It was also a time of celebration and thanksgiving for the harvest (Lev. 23:39–41; Deut. 16:13–15; compare Ex. 23:16). See also note on John 2:13.
John 7:3–4 Jesus’ brothers (compare Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3) are other naturally born sons of Mary. Their advice reveals their misunderstanding of Jesus’ messianic identity.
John 7:5 not even his brothers believed in him. Even those who had lived in the same house with Jesus for nearly 30 years did not know who he was.
John 7:7 The world cannot hate Jesus’ brothers because they did not yet believe in Jesus; they still belonged to the world.
John 7:8 I am not going up to this feast is not a mistake by John or a lie by Jesus, even though Jesus did go up to the feast (v. 10). The Greek present tense can have the sense, “I am not now going,” indicating that Jesus did not go to the feast at the time or in the way the brothers suggested (they wanted Jesus to prove himself to his contemporaries for secular reasons).
John 7:14 Temple here means the area surrounding the temple itself, including the Court of the Gentiles.
John 7:20 Compare 8:48; 10:20; Matt. 12:24 and parallels. The same charge was made against John the Baptist (Matt. 11:18).
John 7:22 This recalls Gen. 17:9–14 (the fathers, that is, Abraham) and Lev. 12:3 (Moses). Jesus’ argument is “from the lesser to the greater.” The Jews circumcised their males on the eighth day even if that day fell on the Sabbath (the “lesser” issue). If “perfecting” one part of the human body on the Sabbath was legitimate, how much more the healing of an entire person (the “greater” issue).
John 7:27 But we know. Some rabbis taught that the Messiah would be completely unknown until he began to save Israel. Others, however, were sure that Bethlehem would be his birthplace (v. 42; see Mic. 5:2; Matt. 2:1–6).
John 7:30 because his hour had not yet come. In John, Jesus’ “hour” is the time of his crucifixion, when his saving work is completed (see 8:20; 12:23, 27; 13:1; 17:1).
John 7:32 The chief priests and Pharisees, representing the Sanhedrin, sent officers (or temple police) to arrest Jesus.
John 7:35 People misunderstand Jesus’ statement in v. 34 (see also 3:4; 4:15; 6:52). The Dispersion was a common Jewish expression for the Jewish people scattered throughout the world.
Fact: The Dispersion
The Dispersion (7:35) referred to Jewish people scattered throughout the world. Many Jews were exiled from their homeland in 722 and 586 B.C. Those taken to Babylon in 586 were later allowed to return home, but many stayed in Babylon and others moved west into Greece. After the destruction of the temple in A.D. 70, many Jews were sold into slavery and further scattered abroad.
John 7:38 There is no specific Scripture passage from the OT that matches Jesus’ words here. He summarizes several passages that picture God’s work in believers as a river of water flowing out to bless others (see Isa. 58:11).
Fact: Living water
Fresh water that flows from a spring or stream was known as living water in Palestine (2:12–13). It was the best and purest water. Jesus says that he is the source of true living water (John 4:10–14; 7:38).
John 7:39 As yet the Spirit had not been given does not mean that there was no work of the Holy Spirit in the world prior to Jesus’ resurrection (see Gen. 1:2; Ex. 31:3; Num. 11:25; Deut. 34:9; Ezek. 2:2). Rather, it means the Spirit had not been given in the full and powerful sense that was promised for the new covenant age (see Ezek. 36:26–27; Joel 2:28–29; compare Acts 2:1–13).
Physical Items Used by Jesus to Teach Spiritual Truths
Though often misunderstood by Jesus’ hearers, these tangible metaphors explain the gospel.
| Physical Item | Spiritual Truth | References |
|---|---|---|
| Light | true knowledge and presence of God; moral purity | 1:4–5, 7–9; 3:19–21; 8:12; 9:5; 11:9–10; 12:35–36, 46; see 1 John 2:8–10 |
| Jerusalem temple | Christ’s physical body | 2:19–22 |
| Physical birth | spiritual birth: being “born again” | 1:13; 3:3–8; see 6:63; 1 John 3:9; 4:7; 5:1, 18 |
| Wind | the Holy Spirit | 3:8 |
| Water | the Holy Spirit within believers | 4:7–15; 7:37–39; see 1 John 5:6, 8 |
| Food | doing the will of God | 4:31–34 |
| Bread | Jesus himself, his life and death | 6:32–51, 58 |
| Flesh and blood | Jesus’ death | 6:53–56; see 1 John 1:7; 5:6, 8 |
| Door | path to eternal life in Jesus | 10:1–9 |
| Shepherd | Jesus’ self-sacrifice and care for his people | 10:11–18, 26–28; 21:15–17 |
| Vine | Jesus in relationship to his followers | 15:1–11 |
| Cup | God’s wrath toward sin | 18:11 |
| Breath | the Holy Spirit coming upon the disciples | 20:22 |
The Work of the Trinity
Though the word “Trinity” does not appear in the Bible, by presenting the Father, Son, and Spirit together, all doing what no one else ever does, the Gospel of John gives us the foundation on which this doctrine is based. Observing what God says and does helps us to know him, and observing which actions are done by which members of the Godhead helps us to see which roles they play.
| Action | Father | Son | Spirit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Give life | 5:21, 26; (6:33); 17:3 | 5:21, 25–26, 40; 6:33; 17:3 | 3:6, 8; 6:63 |
| Proclaim future | 1:33 | 13:19, 26, 36–38; 14:3, 29; 16:1–4, 16–28, 32; 20:18 | 16:13 |
| Indwell believers | 14:23 | 14:20, 23; (15:4–7); 17:23, 26 | 14:17 |
| Teach | 6:45; 7:16, 17; 8:28 | 7:14; (8:2); 8:20; 13:13–14 | 14:26 |
| Testify to Jesus | 5:32, 37; 6:27; 8:18 | 8:12–14, 18 | 15:26 |
| Glorify Jesus | 5:22–23; 8:50, 54; 13:31–32; 17:1, 22 | (1:14); 2:11; 13:31–32; 17:5, 24 | 16:14 |
Actions Common to Father and Son
| Action | Father | Son |
|---|---|---|
| Glorify the Father | 4:23; 12:28; 13:31–32 | (2:16); (9:3–4); 11:40; 12:28; 13:31–32; 14:13; 17:1, 4–5 |
| Give the Spirit | 3:34; 14:16 | (4:10–14); (7:37–39); 20:22 |
| Send the Spirit | 14:26 | 15:26; 16:7 |
Actions Common to Son and Spirit
| Action | Son | Spirit |
|---|---|---|
| Be given by the Father | 3:16 | (4:10–14); 14:16 |
| Be sent by the Father | 3:17; 4:34; 5:23–24, 36; 6:29, 57; 7:28–29, 33; 8:16, 26, 29, 42; 9:4; 10:36; 11:42; 12:44–45; 13:20; 15:21; 17:3, 8, 18, 23, 25; 20:21 | 14:26; 15:26 |
| Speak not from himself | (5:19); 5:30; (6:38); 7:16; 12:49–50 | 16:13 |
| Speak only what he hears | 3:32; (3:34); (5:30); 8:26, 40; 12:50; 15:15 | 16:13 |
| Convict | 3:19–20; 4:16, 18; (5:27); (8:7); 8:34, 40; 11:40; 12:7–8; 13:8 | 16:7–11 |
| Be received | 1:12 (see 1:10–11) | 7:39 (see 14:17) |
| Disclose what belongs to God | 1:18 | 16:13–14 |
John 7:40–41 The Prophet is mentioned in Deut. 18:15–18. Many first-century Jews thought the “Prophet” and the Messiah were different people, but Jesus is both. See notes on John 1:20–21; 6:14.
John 7:40–42 Is the Christ to come from Galilee? . . . Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes . . . from Bethlehem? Bethlehem is clearly predicted as the Messiah’s birthplace (Mic. 5:2). Ironically, the people here did not realize that Bethlehem was in fact Jesus’ birthplace.
John 7:45–46 officers. Temple police.
John 7:52 Some prophets did come from Galilee, such as Jonah (2 Kings 14:25), and possibly Elijah (1 Kings 17:1) and Nahum (Nah. 1:1). The Pharisees may have been reflecting current bias against Galileans, or perhaps they were misrepresenting the facts to make their case against Jesus (see John 8:44, 55).
Nicodemus
Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the powerful Jewish governing body, the Sanhedrin. He had seen the signs performed by Jesus and recognized that God was with him. Possibly to avoid being seen by his peers, Nicodemus came to Jesus at night to speak with him. Although he was a “teacher of Israel” (3:10) and knew the OT Scriptures, Nicodemus was mystified when Jesus told him that he must be born again. It was while talking with Nicodemus that Jesus made the statement recorded in 3:16, perhaps the most well-known summary of the gospel in all of Scripture. The Bible does not say whether Nicodemus responded to the gospel on this occasion. Later, however, Nicodemus defended Jesus when others wanted to arrest him (7:50–52). After Jesus’ death on the cross, Nicodemus helped Joseph of Arimathea prepare Jesus’ body for burial (19:39–40). (John 3:1–21)
John 7:53–8:11 This story is absent from all of the oldest manuscripts of John’s Gospel, but there is nothing in it contrary to sound doctrine. It seems best to view the story as something that did actually happen during Jesus’ ministry but that was not originally part of what John wrote in his Gospel.
John 8:12 I am. See note on 6:35. Jesus is the light of the world (see 1:4–5; 3:19–21; 12:35–36, 46). Jesus fulfills OT promises of the “light” of salvation (e.g., Isa. 9:2; 42:6; 49:6; John 9:5; Acts 26:18, 23; Eph. 5:8–14; 1 John 1:5–7).
Physical Items Used by Jesus to Teach Spiritual Truths
Though often misunderstood by Jesus’ hearers, these tangible metaphors explain the gospel.
| Physical Item | Spiritual Truth | References |
|---|---|---|
| Light | true knowledge and presence of God; moral purity | 1:4–5, 7–9; 3:19–21; 8:12; 9:5; 11:9–10; 12:35–36, 46; see 1 John 2:8–10 |
| Jerusalem temple | Christ’s physical body | 2:19–22 |
| Physical birth | spiritual birth: being “born again” | 1:13; 3:3–8; see 6:63; 1 John 3:9; 4:7; 5:1, 18 |
| Wind | the Holy Spirit | 3:8 |
| Water | the Holy Spirit within believers | 4:7–15; 7:37–39; see 1 John 5:6, 8 |
| Food | doing the will of God | 4:31–34 |
| Bread | Jesus himself, his life and death | 6:32–51, 58 |
| Flesh and blood | Jesus’ death | 6:53–56; see 1 John 1:7; 5:6, 8 |
| Door | path to eternal life in Jesus | 10:1–9 |
| Shepherd | Jesus’ self-sacrifice and care for his people | 10:11–18, 26–28; 21:15–17 |
| Vine | Jesus in relationship to his followers | 15:1–11 |
| Cup | God’s wrath toward sin | 18:11 |
| Breath | the Holy Spirit coming upon the disciples | 20:22 |
John 8:13–14 The Pharisees continue the dispute from 5:31–47 (see notes).
John 8:15 according to the flesh. According to the natural understanding and human standards of this world. “I judge no one.” During his earthly ministry, Jesus was primarily a Savior, not a judge (see 3:17; 12:47). In the future he will judge the world (see 5:22, 27, 29; 12:48).
Witnesses to Jesus
| 1. John the Baptist | 5:32–36; see 1:7–8, 15, 19, 32–34; 3:26 |
| 2. Jesus’ own works | 5:36; see 10:25, 32, 37–38; 15:24 |
| 3. God the Father | 5:37–38; 8:18 |
| 4. The Scriptures, especially by Moses | 5:39, 45–47 |
| 5. Jesus himself | 3:11, 32; 8:14, 18; 18:37 |
| 6. The Spirit | 14:26; 15:26; 16:8–11, 13–14 |
| 7. The disciples, especially John | 15:27; 19:35; 21:24 |
John 8:20 The treasury likely was next to the Court of the Women (compare Mark 12:41–44; Luke 21:1–4). The Greek term may indicate either a collection box for the treasury or the treasury structure itself.
John 8:21 Where I am going. Heaven, in the presence of the Father.
John 8:23 From below means belonging to this natural world; from above means from God the Father. It also means following God’s will and speaking his truth.
John 8:31 To abide in Jesus’ word means to continue believing what Jesus has said and to continue obeying him (see note on 15:4; also 6:56; 1 John 3:6).
Fact: Abide in Jesus
To abide in Jesus means living in a daily, close relationship with him, characterized by trust, prayer, obedience, and joy. The Holy Spirit’s presence and activity within Christians gives evidence that they are abiding in Christ (John 8:31, 6:56, 15:4; 1 John 2:6, 27–28; 3:6).
John 8:34 Being a slave to sin means being unable to escape from sinful patterns of conduct without Jesus’ help (see v. 36; see also notes on Rom. 6:16; 1 Cor. 7:21).
John 8:36 Sets you free from both the guilt and the life-controlling power of sin.
John 8:37 my word finds no place in you. Because of the spiritual condition of their hearts.
John 8:39–40 They were physically descended from Abraham (v. 37), but they are not truly Abraham’s children, for their behavior contradicts that claim. Abraham’s true children are only those who believe in Jesus (Gen. 15:6; Rom. 2:28–29; 9:6–8).
John 8:43 you cannot bear. Or, “you are not able.” to hear my word. “Hear” means “hear and accept.”
John 8:44 The devil was a murderer from the beginning. The devil motivated Cain to kill Abel. He is the father of lies, since he contradicted God’s word (Gen. 3:3–4; see Gen. 2:17).
John 8:47 You do not hear in the sense of hearing, believing, and following.
The Work of the Trinity
Though the word “Trinity” does not appear in the Bible, by presenting the Father, Son, and Spirit together, all doing what no one else ever does, the Gospel of John gives us the foundation on which this doctrine is based. Observing what God says and does helps us to know him, and observing which actions are done by which members of the Godhead helps us to see which roles they play.
| Action | Father | Son | Spirit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Give life | 5:21, 26; (6:33); 17:3 | 5:21, 25–26, 40; 6:33; 17:3 | 3:6, 8; 6:63 |
| Proclaim future | 1:33 | 13:19, 26, 36–38; 14:3, 29; 16:1–4, 16–28, 32; 20:18 | 16:13 |
| Indwell believers | 14:23 | 14:20, 23; (15:4–7); 17:23, 26 | 14:17 |
| Teach | 6:45; 7:16, 17; 8:28 | 7:14; (8:2); 8:20; 13:13–14 | 14:26 |
| Testify to Jesus | 5:32, 37; 6:27; 8:18 | 8:12–14, 18 | 15:26 |
| Glorify Jesus | 5:22–23; 8:50, 54; 13:31–32; 17:1, 22 | (1:14); 2:11; 13:31–32; 17:5, 24 | 16:14 |
Actions Common to Father and Son
| Action | Father | Son |
|---|---|---|
| Glorify the Father | 4:23; 12:28; 13:31–32 | (2:16); (9:3–4); 11:40; 12:28; 13:31–32; 14:13; 17:1, 4–5 |
| Give the Spirit | 3:34; 14:16 | (4:10–14); (7:37–39); 20:22 |
| Send the Spirit | 14:26 | 15:26; 16:7 |
Actions Common to Son and Spirit
| Action | Son | Spirit |
|---|---|---|
| Be given by the Father | 3:16 | (4:10–14); 14:16 |
| Be sent by the Father | 3:17; 4:34; 5:23–24, 36; 6:29, 57; 7:28–29, 33; 8:16, 26, 29, 42; 9:4; 10:36; 11:42; 12:44–45; 13:20; 15:21; 17:3, 8, 18, 23, 25; 20:21 | 14:26; 15:26 |
| Speak not from himself | (5:19); 5:30; (6:38); 7:16; 12:49–50 | 16:13 |
| Speak only what he hears | 3:32; (3:34); (5:30); 8:26, 40; 12:50; 15:15 | 16:13 |
| Convict | 3:19–20; 4:16, 18; (5:27); (8:7); 8:34, 40; 11:40; 12:7–8; 13:8 | 16:7–11 |
| Be received | 1:12 (see 1:10–11) | 7:39 (see 14:17) |
| Disclose what belongs to God | 1:18 | 16:13–14 |
John 8:56 Abraham rejoiced that he would see the day of Christ. He saw it and was glad. Jesus possibly refers to a consistent pattern of joyful faith in Abraham’s life, rather than one specific event.
John 8:58 Jesus claims to have been alive before Abraham was. He does not mean that he is more than 2,000 years old. Rather, he uses the present tense I am in speaking of existence more than 2,000 years earlier. Thus he claims an existence apart from time that is true only of God. For “I am,” see note on 6:20.
The “I Am” Statements of Jesus
| Absolute “I am” statements | 6:20; 8:24, 28, 58; 18:5 |
| Metaphorical “I am” statements | |
| 1. I am the bread of life | 6:35, 48, 51 |
| 2. I am the light of the world | 8:12; 9:5 |
| 3. I am the door of the sheep | 10:7, 9 |
| 4. I am the good shepherd | 10:11, 14 |
| 5. I am the resurrection and the life | 11:25 |
| 6. I am the way, the truth, and the life | 14:6 |
| 7. I am the true vine | 15:1 |
John 8:59 picked up stones. See note on Acts 7:58. Stoning was the punishment for blasphemy (Lev. 24:16; John 10:31–33). However, it was supposed to be imposed only after careful judgment, not amid mob violence (Deut. 17:2–7).
Fact: So that you may believe
John wrote his Gospel “so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (20:30). In 8:24, Jesus tells his listeners that faith in him is the only way to find life (see 3:15–16; 11:25).
John 9:2 Suffering is not always a direct result of a person’s sin (e.g., Luke 13:2–3a; 2 Cor. 12:7; and Jesus’ crucifixion; see also John 12:28, 37–41; 17:1, 5).
John 9:3 that the works of God might be displayed in him. God sometimes allows people to suffer so that they can experience his mercy and power in delivering them.
John 9:4 while it is day. The time when Jesus was here on earth. night. The time of Jesus’ crucifixion and death. We indicates that Jesus involves his disciples in God’s work.
The Work of the Trinity
Though the word “Trinity” does not appear in the Bible, by presenting the Father, Son, and Spirit together, all doing what no one else ever does, the Gospel of John gives us the foundation on which this doctrine is based. Observing what God says and does helps us to know him, and observing which actions are done by which members of the Godhead helps us to see which roles they play.
| Action | Father | Son | Spirit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Give life | 5:21, 26; (6:33); 17:3 | 5:21, 25–26, 40; 6:33; 17:3 | 3:6, 8; 6:63 |
| Proclaim future | 1:33 | 13:19, 26, 36–38; 14:3, 29; 16:1–4, 16–28, 32; 20:18 | 16:13 |
| Indwell believers | 14:23 | 14:20, 23; (15:4–7); 17:23, 26 | 14:17 |
| Teach | 6:45; 7:16, 17; 8:28 | 7:14; (8:2); 8:20; 13:13–14 | 14:26 |
| Testify to Jesus | 5:32, 37; 6:27; 8:18 | 8:12–14, 18 | 15:26 |
| Glorify Jesus | 5:22–23; 8:50, 54; 13:31–32; 17:1, 22 | (1:14); 2:11; 13:31–32; 17:5, 24 | 16:14 |
Actions Common to Father and Son
| Action | Father | Son |
|---|---|---|
| Glorify the Father | 4:23; 12:28; 13:31–32 | (2:16); (9:3–4); 11:40; 12:28; 13:31–32; 14:13; 17:1, 4–5 |
| Give the Spirit | 3:34; 14:16 | (4:10–14); (7:37–39); 20:22 |
| Send the Spirit | 14:26 | 15:26; 16:7 |
Actions Common to Son and Spirit
| Action | Son | Spirit |
|---|---|---|
| Be given by the Father | 3:16 | (4:10–14); 14:16 |
| Be sent by the Father | 3:17; 4:34; 5:23–24, 36; 6:29, 57; 7:28–29, 33; 8:16, 26, 29, 42; 9:4; 10:36; 11:42; 12:44–45; 13:20; 15:21; 17:3, 8, 18, 23, 25; 20:21 | 14:26; 15:26 |
| Speak not from himself | (5:19); 5:30; (6:38); 7:16; 12:49–50 | 16:13 |
| Speak only what he hears | 3:32; (3:34); (5:30); 8:26, 40; 12:50; 15:15 | 16:13 |
| Convict | 3:19–20; 4:16, 18; (5:27); (8:7); 8:34, 40; 11:40; 12:7–8; 13:8 | 16:7–11 |
| Be received | 1:12 (see 1:10–11) | 7:39 (see 14:17) |
| Disclose what belongs to God | 1:18 | 16:13–14 |
Physical Items Used by Jesus to Teach Spiritual Truths
Though often misunderstood by Jesus’ hearers, these tangible metaphors explain the gospel.
| Physical Item | Spiritual Truth | References |
|---|---|---|
| Light | true knowledge and presence of God; moral purity | 1:4–5, 7–9; 3:19–21; 8:12; 9:5; 11:9–10; 12:35–36, 46; see 1 John 2:8–10 |
| Jerusalem temple | Christ’s physical body | 2:19–22 |
| Physical birth | spiritual birth: being “born again” | 1:13; 3:3–8; see 6:63; 1 John 3:9; 4:7; 5:1, 18 |
| Wind | the Holy Spirit | 3:8 |
| Water | the Holy Spirit within believers | 4:7–15; 7:37–39; see 1 John 5:6, 8 |
| Food | doing the will of God | 4:31–34 |
| Bread | Jesus himself, his life and death | 6:32–51, 58 |
| Flesh and blood | Jesus’ death | 6:53–56; see 1 John 1:7; 5:6, 8 |
| Door | path to eternal life in Jesus | 10:1–9 |
| Shepherd | Jesus’ self-sacrifice and care for his people | 10:11–18, 26–28; 21:15–17 |
| Vine | Jesus in relationship to his followers | 15:1–11 |
| Cup | God’s wrath toward sin | 18:11 |
| Breath | the Holy Spirit coming upon the disciples | 20:22 |
The “I Am” Statements of Jesus
| Absolute “I am” statements | 6:20; 8:24, 28, 58; 18:5 |
| Metaphorical “I am” statements | |
| 1. I am the bread of life | 6:35, 48, 51 |
| 2. I am the light of the world | 8:12; 9:5 |
| 3. I am the door of the sheep | 10:7, 9 |
| 4. I am the good shepherd | 10:11, 14 |
| 5. I am the resurrection and the life | 11:25 |
| 6. I am the way, the truth, and the life | 14:6 |
| 7. I am the true vine | 15:1 |
The “I Am” Statements of Jesus
| Absolute “I am” statements | 6:20; 8:24, 28, 58; 18:5 |
| Metaphorical “I am” statements | |
| 1. I am the bread of life | 6:35, 48, 51 |
| 2. I am the light of the world | 8:12; 9:5 |
| 3. I am the door of the sheep | 10:7, 9 |
| 4. I am the good shepherd | 10:11, 14 |
| 5. I am the resurrection and the life | 11:25 |
| 6. I am the way, the truth, and the life | 14:6 |
| 7. I am the true vine | 15:1 |
John 9:7 pool of Siloam. Archaeology indicates a large pool (225 feet [69 m] long on one side) with steps leading down into it.
Seven Signs Pointing to Jesus as the Messiah
The first half of John’s Gospel shows that Jesus is the Messiah by way of seven signs (see 20:30–31):
| Changing water into wine | 2:1–11 |
| Healing the official’s son | 4:46–54 |
| Healing the invalid | 5:1–15 |
| Feeding the multitude | 6:5–13 |
| Walking on the water* | 6:16–21 |
| Healing the man born blind | 9:1–7 |
| Raising Lazarus | 11:1–44 |
*John does not explicitly identify this event as a sign.
John 9:14 Jesus mixed clay with his saliva to make mud. This activity was among the 39 classes of work forbidden on the Sabbath by Jewish tradition.
John 9:31–33 The man’s main idea, that God does not listen to sinners, reflects several OT passages (e.g., Ps. 34:15; 66:18). The man’s minor point, that there was no previous act of opening of the eyes of a person born blind, is also confirmed by the absence of similar miracles in the OT.
John 9:41 If you were blind means if they had no knowledge at all about God’s words or his laws, and no knowledge about who Jesus is. You would have no guilt (or sin, see ESV footnote) for violating specific teachings or commands that they had received. Paul makes a similar argument in Rom. 1:18–3:20.
Fact: Does sin cause illness?
Does sin cause illness? Many people in Bible times assumed that if a person suffered, it was because that person had sinned (9:2). There are consequences for sin, but suffering is not always directly caused by a person’s sin. But God can use suffering to show his power and mercy (9:3).
Listen to the Podcast
Listen NowDive Deeper | John 7-9
In the Gospel of John, Jesus makes seven profound "I AM" statements, each revealing his divine identity and mission. His assertion, "I am the light of the world" in John 8:12 would have resonated with his audience, calling to mind several moments in biblical history:
- Creation: God spoke light into existence (Genesis 1:3).
- Exodus: God revealed Himself as "I AM" from the light of the burning bush (Exodus 3).
- Messianic Prophecies: The Messiah is foretold to be a "light for the nations," leading the blind and turning their darkness into light (Isaiah 49:6, 42:16).
Jesus' declaration and his healing of the blind man (John 9) reveal him as the Messiah, the light of the world with the power to dispel darkness and grant sight. However, Jesus' light does more than illuminate the darkness of sin; it brings clarity and understanding to the Scriptures.
Ways Jesus brings light/revelation to Scripture in today's chapters:
- Adulterous Woman (John 8:3-11): The law says to stone her; instead, Jesus calls the accusers to examine their own sins before judging her, demonstrating that his grace covers our disgrace.
- Slaves to Sin (John 8:21-51): The Pharisees rely on being Abraham's offspring as false security, but Jesus points out that no matter their position, without a heart change, they will die in their sins. True freedom comes from knowing the truth of Jesus and abiding in his Word.
- Infirmities (John 9:3): Contrary to the legalistic belief that sickness was a result of sin, Jesus taught that our ailments can show us God's greater plan for our life and reveal his glory.
To a world in darkness, Jesus offers himself as the guiding light, revealing not only our sin but also God's profound loving-kindness. As we abide in Jesus, he lights our way, leading us to true freedom and understanding. Let's hold tight to Jesus, the light of the world, and let his light shine through us, guiding others out of darkness and into his presence.
This month's memory verse
"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
– John 15:5
Discussion Questions
1. What does it mean to you that Jesus is the "light of the world"?
2. What is some of the "darkness" (challenges, temptations, idols, see John 3:19) you struggle with, and how can Jesus' light help overcome these struggles?
3. What is something the world has twisted to assume the Bible says (e.g., the prosperity gospel) that you could help correct by accurate teaching from Jesus in the Bible?
4. What practical steps can we take as a church to shine Jesus' light in our community?