John Bible Study Lesson 4
1. Read and explain John 8:12.
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.
2. Read and explain John 8:24. Compare this verse to John 3:18. 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.
John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned - Is acquitted, is justified before God. The name of the only - begotten Son of God - The name of a person is often put for the person himself. But perhaps it is farther intimated in that expression, that the person spoken of is great and magnificent. And therefore it is generally used to express either God the Father or the Son.
3. Read and explain John 8:31-32. Explain free from what? 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.
4. Read and explain John 8:39? Whose children does Jesus say that they are? John 8:39. If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham-He had just said He "knew they were Abraham's children," that is, according to the flesh; but the children of his faith and holiness they were not, but the reverse.
5. Read Chapters 8-9 of John and contrast light and darkness.
When Jesus proclaimed He is the Light of the World in John 8:12 this made his second of the seven Great “I AMs” of John. Just as the earth or anything in it cannot survive without the sun, humanity cannot do without Jesus. Even now, though many live oblivious to His sustaining power in all things, He is nonetheless Lord and King of all! He is as vital and necessary as the sun itself is to the physical world. As all energy and life is given by the Sun, our light here in the physical world; so it follows that all energy and life, physical and spiritual, derive from Jesus. He is The SON! Let’s look at some of the things Jesus reveals about Himself and us through His statements on Divine Light.
1. Jesus is the Morning Star, the Dawn upon the darkness. John 8:2 – At dawn He appeared at the temple courts – Jesus is the true light. All the people gathered around Him and He taught them. Those who refuse the clarity of light prefer darkness – preferring ignorance and reliance upon their pitiful thoughts and ways.
2. Jesus exposes sin and deals mercifully with us. 8:3-11 – Light exposes darkness. Nothing can escape its illumination! True light exposes sin to give it opportunity to change. In this passage the teachers of the Law and Pharisees thought they were being “light” by bringing a woman accused of adultery before Jesus; but they exposed her to test him, or to humiliate her, or to appear “righteous”. Whatever the motive it was not a true, genuine, loving motive. The Morning Star, our Lord Jesus, exposes sin that we may repent and shine with Him! Jesus being the light of the world teaches the sinless and undefiled nature of Christ, light being the only thing that may fall upon rottenness and corruption and itself remain uncontaminated. The Light of the world shines upon the wretched ugliness of our shameless world, saves it, changes it, and lifts it up, but is not himself contaminated. No matter how dirty the room in which the light shines, the light remains pure.
a. Peter wrote: 2Pe 1:19 NIV We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
b. Although Jesus is the Light of the World and can see all things, He chooses to give mercy as opposed to condemnation. He does not do it to tolerate sin, but to obliterate it. Jesus expects us to sin not more, as he told this woman when He forgave her (8:11).
3. Jesus is the Light of the World. 8:12 – NIV "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." This metaphor reveals Jesus as God. Only of one identified with deity could it be said of him that He is the light of the world. The Old Testament made it clear that only God is light: "The Lord is my light and my salvation" (Psalms 27:1); and an apostle identified God as "the Father of heavenly lights" (James 1:17). Therefore, when Jesus said, "I am the light of the world," he forever lifted himself above the category of mere mortality. Only a lunatic, or the world's true Savior, could sincerely have said such a thing as this; and the receding centuries have left no doubt that the Redeemer said it and that he is indeed the world's light. He is God come in the flesh. He wants us to have life in His fellowship – that is the light of Life!
a. Jesus also said: John 12:46 NIV I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. By obligation, whether we believe or not, we can only walk in the light. You may forgive someone who stumbles around in darkness, but if he does so in the light there is a problem, unless the person is blind. When light is shone we are obligated to look. If we reject what is clearly shown we sin against God and reject the goodness clarified by the light. If you stay in darkness you have chosen to remain ignorant, limited and irrelevant. Many charge Christians to be irrelevant to the “modern” dictates of our culture but in the end, it is those who chose to remain in darkness who will be irrelevant to the eternal life to be revealed.
b. Jesus is the light of the world eternally, for even in heaven, "the Lamb is its lamp" of the eternal city (Revelation 21:23). Chris Tomlin’s hymn catches the mystery of this thought perfectly: Light of the world you’ve stepped down into darkness; opened my eyes let me see…
4. Divine Light Exposes the Unseen. 8:15-16 – NIV 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. The Light of the World, Jesus, doesn’t pass judgment (not yet anyway. We’ll read more about that in chapter 12). True Light doesn’t judge by human standards. Humans judge by outward appearance, just like physical light lets them see; God judges by the heart (1 Sam 16:17).
a. Humans are quick to judge. They usually don't discern in their judgment. Thank God His judgments are true! His thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways higher than our ways (Isa 55:7-9).
b. This metaphor is an apt figure of the universality of the gospel, there being no place on earth where light cannot reach. Similarly, the saving message of Christ shines throughout all the earth. The witness of the calendar week (7 days of creation) and the measurements of time (B.C and A.D.), of the Gospel trifecta, of the witness of history, of the progress of civilization, etc. - imperfect as the witness surely is, it is nevertheless undeniably universal they all point to Christ as Lord of all the universe. As John said of Jesus, He is "The true light that gives light to everyone" (John 1:6-9).
c. I am the Light of the World. 9:5 – When Jesus says this in chapter 9 he said it in the context of his disciples judging sin by mere appearances. The light from God helps us see the works of God displayed in the imperfect and broken things of the world as Jesus said, “…but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” – John 9:3. Therefore we should judge nothing before its time for we may not be seeing the completeness of what God is accomplishing. 1Co 4:5 NIV Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.
5. The need to be children of Light (John 12:36). NIV “Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” I believe Jesus is asking of us, just like He was asking of those people to simply walk according to the truth even if you don't completely understand where it came from or its purpose. Jesus was teaching them to take advantage of His presence among them to learn His ways, lest they be overtaken by darkness. As a very famous green little person said: “Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” ~ Yoda. While I have Jesus (the Word) in front of me I have to take advantage of His presence or sin can overcome me. Let's impress Jesus upon our hearts so we can be sons of light and shine brightly! Being sons of light means:
a. Working wholeheartedly in God’s Kingdom: John 9:4 NIV As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. There was work Jesus had to do - since He was in the world and is the Light of the World, there were things to do before night came (He would leave the world) and no more of this work could be done. Without God’s light we wouldn’t know how to work, the right attitude to go about it or why we should do it. As our Light, Jesus shows us that the work we ought to do, for we do not do it for men but for the Lord (Col 3:23 NIV Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…).
b. Doing it all with a positive attitude and with gratefulness: – our goal is to please Him (2 Co 5:9) and that is why we do our very best! Children ought to please their parents because in doing so they please God – Col Col
6. Jesus lights up God’s Character. 8:24, 28, 58 – Jesus is “I Am”! "I am" in the Greek is ego eimi: I am, I have been, I will always be. When Jesus says “I am He” in the Greek it’s really saying “I Am” or “I am the One”. Jesus declares himself to be The Lord Almighty (see Exodus 3:14). Philippians 2:9-13 NIV Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, (10) that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, (11) and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (12) Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, (13) for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
a. When I understand Who Jesus is, I am rightly motivated to will and to act according to God’s kindness and generosity, not according to how I feel or what I think.
b. When I understand Who Jesus is, I am motivated to live as His child not by fear but by His love – His love makes me Revere Him – honor Him and respect Him by humbly obeying and accepting His will.
c. I will either bow down and confess Him now willingly became I recognize His name; or I will do it later by obligation with eternal regret.
7. The Light Enables us to Worship in Spirit and Truth. 9:38-39 – When the blind man received his sight at first all he saw was the world he was missing. He didn’t yet know Jesus, although he was willing to defend Him against the accusations of the Pharisees. At the end of chapter 9 Jesus asks him if he believes. The man believed and worshipped Him. Those who see the light worship Jesus. There is no one else to worship or pay homage to. Jesus has come for judgment, to expose those who think they see and to help those who don’t see.
a. John 8:31-32 NIV To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. (32) Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Jesus addresses those who were believing in Him and is now going to tell them how to make that belief work. It is not enough just to intellectually admit or believe – belief has to mature as faith expressed in obedience and full trust. Holding to Jesus' teachings is how we show we are His real disciples. Holding, abiding, continuing – depending on the English translation this word is from the Greek meno, which means to remain, not to depart, to continue to be present; to keep, to endure and to become as one, not becoming another or different (Thayer's Lexicon).
i. A contrast is made between real and false disciples. Who are false? Those who believe but who do not honor Jesus' teachings by their lifestyle. Those who are "Christians" in name only. We call them "Sunday Christians" or "Christmas Christians". They may observe traditional "Christian" customs (most which are not even really biblical but man-made) but they are not disciples of Jesus at heart.
ii. Jesus did not say to those believers: "You have believed on me, therefore you are saved"; but he said in effect, "Now that you have believed, if you really want to be my disciples, do what I have commanded." The ultimate salvation of those "believers" depended then, as it does today, upon their obeying the gospel of Christ. If they had been among the three thousand baptized on Pentecost, then they would have been saved. - Coffman
b. We know it is God's Word, Jesus, who judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Heb 4:12). Those who say they really see but don't accept Jesus are really blind. Those who acknowledge their blindness will receive their sight. Those who acknowledge themselves as blind receive healing (Matthew 5:1ff). Those who are arrogant cannot see the glory of God. They have no part in God's grace since they cannot see the very thing that can bring them healing. They too think they can see, like the Pharisees.
c. Men are commanded to respond to the light. They should believe on the light and become sons of light (John 12:36); they should walk in the light (1 John 1:6-7); they should put on the whole armor of light (Romans 13:12); and they should arise and shine in the reflected glory of the light (Isaiah 60:1). The import of all this is that all men should exhibit an obedient faith in Christ.
John 12:46-48 NIV I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. (47) If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. (48) There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day.
Jesus did not come to the world to judge us but to get us on the right path. He came to give us hope, as hopeless as we may seem to be. He did come to tell us there will be a judgment, on the last day. Time is short and we must make sure we take Jesus’ invitation to correct our course and lead us to the light and to stay in the path of light if we’ve deviated. We must continue to work out our salvation with fear and trembling indeed!
Mal 4:2a NIV But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays.
Invitation: Will you follow Jesus into the light of life and step out of the darkness? – John 8:12
6. Compare Jesus' response to why the man was born blind in chapter 9 to the fact that all are born spiritually blind?
There is a man mentioned in John 9 who was born blind, but when Jesus arrived on the scene, this blind man's life drastically changed. Not only would he see with his eyes, but he would also come to a clear spiritual view of Christ. The miracle in John chapter nine sets the tone for two important lessons Jesus wanted to teach. First, there is a lesson on the nature of spiritual blindness (9:39-41). Second, He issues a warning about false spiritual shepherds (10:1-18). We will concern ourselves, in these articles, with His primary lesson in chapter nine.
The blind man makes an astute Biblical observation: "Since the world began it has been unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who was born blind" (9:32). This is a true statement, search your Bibles. It seems that restoring sight to the blind was strictly the work of Jesus Christ (c.f., Isa 29:18 42:6).
John chapter nine is a powerful illustration and confirmation of Jesus claim, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life" Jn 8:12.
The blind man makes an astute Biblical observation: "Since the world began it has been unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who was born blind" (9:32). This is a true statement, search your Bibles. It seems that restoring sight to the blind was strictly the work of Jesus Christ (c.f., Isa 29:18 42:6).
John chapter nine is a powerful illustration and confirmation of Jesus claim, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life" Jn 8:12.
The Lord's View of the Blind Man: (Jn 9:3-5)
"Jesus answered, 'Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.'"
Jesus both answers their question and helps them to see a broader issue. His words do not explain the cause of the man's blindness, but the purpose. He sees in the blind man an opportunity to display the works of God.
When we see suffering, do we see it as a problem or a possibility? If someone close to us suffers from physical or mental impairment, what do we see in that person? Do we see a problem, a hassle, an inconvenience, or do we see an opportunity to display the works of God? For us that means providing assistance in whatever way we can.
The Healing Effect of Obedience: (Jn 9:6-7)
"When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. And He said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing."
We have seen the blind man from the disciples' perspective, and more clearly, from the Lord's perspective, now let's put ourselves behind the darkened eyes of the blind man. Put yourself in his place for a moment. His hearing is just fine. How would you feel, hearing people talk about your spiritual condition with no concern at all for your thoughts? The blind man put them all to silence though, he did not have a careless concern for his condition, he went out and did exactly as Jesus instructed and returned with his eye-sight.
This healing also tells us something about Jesus. He always backed up His claims with application. It is one thing to say, "I am the light of the world" and another thing to demonstrate the power to take away the darkness. Just like it is one thing for us to say we are lights in the world and salt to the earth, and another thing to reflect truth and preserve righteousness in our lives.
The People's Reaction: (Jn 9:8-12)
"Therefore the neighbors and those who previously had seen that he was blind said, 'Is not this he who sat and begged?' Some said, 'This is he.' Others said, 'He is like him.' He said, 'I am he.' Therefore they said to him, 'How were your eyes opened?' He answered and said, 'A Man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, Go to the pool of Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and I received sight.' Then they said to him, 'Where is He?' He said, 'I do not know.'"
The miracle was so incredible that the people could not believe their eyes. What is troubling, though, is that no one seems to be rejoicing with the formerly blind man. They asked only, "Where is He?" Jesus, that is, thinking maybe He had something for them too. The little phrase, "Rejoice with those who rejoice," (Ro 12:15) is difficult for the worldly mind centered on its own interests.
Now that Jesus has captured our attention with this miracle, let us reflect upon three things that this miracle tells us about conversion to Jesus Christ.
Conversion Begins With God: The blind man did not initiate his healing, Jesus did. The apostle John wrote, "In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins" 1Jn 4:9-10.
Conversion Involves Faith: Jesus told him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" and he did so, by faith, "and came back seeing." Do you think this man would have gained his sight if rather than going to the pool of Siloam he went to his parents' home and washed in their basin? To have spiritual sight today, people must respond to God's love in obedient faith.
Conversion Begins A Life Of Great Change: The word conversion means "to turn about, turn towards." In the lessons that follow, we will observe a true conversion to Christ, as the formerly blind man turns away from the dark ditch of unbelief toward the glorious light of the Son of God.
If you are living in darkness today, there is no reason why you cannot learn from the example of this formerly blind man. Will you be washed and receive your sight today? "And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord" Ac 22:16.
7. Research the "Feast of the Tabernacles" and explain its purpose.
"Jesus answered, 'Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.'"
Jesus both answers their question and helps them to see a broader issue. His words do not explain the cause of the man's blindness, but the purpose. He sees in the blind man an opportunity to display the works of God.
When we see suffering, do we see it as a problem or a possibility? If someone close to us suffers from physical or mental impairment, what do we see in that person? Do we see a problem, a hassle, an inconvenience, or do we see an opportunity to display the works of God? For us that means providing assistance in whatever way we can.
The Healing Effect of Obedience: (Jn 9:6-7)
"When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. And He said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing."
We have seen the blind man from the disciples' perspective, and more clearly, from the Lord's perspective, now let's put ourselves behind the darkened eyes of the blind man. Put yourself in his place for a moment. His hearing is just fine. How would you feel, hearing people talk about your spiritual condition with no concern at all for your thoughts? The blind man put them all to silence though, he did not have a careless concern for his condition, he went out and did exactly as Jesus instructed and returned with his eye-sight.
This healing also tells us something about Jesus. He always backed up His claims with application. It is one thing to say, "I am the light of the world" and another thing to demonstrate the power to take away the darkness. Just like it is one thing for us to say we are lights in the world and salt to the earth, and another thing to reflect truth and preserve righteousness in our lives.
The People's Reaction: (Jn 9:8-12)
"Therefore the neighbors and those who previously had seen that he was blind said, 'Is not this he who sat and begged?' Some said, 'This is he.' Others said, 'He is like him.' He said, 'I am he.' Therefore they said to him, 'How were your eyes opened?' He answered and said, 'A Man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, Go to the pool of Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and I received sight.' Then they said to him, 'Where is He?' He said, 'I do not know.'"
The miracle was so incredible that the people could not believe their eyes. What is troubling, though, is that no one seems to be rejoicing with the formerly blind man. They asked only, "Where is He?" Jesus, that is, thinking maybe He had something for them too. The little phrase, "Rejoice with those who rejoice," (Ro 12:15) is difficult for the worldly mind centered on its own interests.
Now that Jesus has captured our attention with this miracle, let us reflect upon three things that this miracle tells us about conversion to Jesus Christ.
Conversion Begins With God: The blind man did not initiate his healing, Jesus did. The apostle John wrote, "In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins" 1Jn 4:9-10.
Conversion Involves Faith: Jesus told him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" and he did so, by faith, "and came back seeing." Do you think this man would have gained his sight if rather than going to the pool of Siloam he went to his parents' home and washed in their basin? To have spiritual sight today, people must respond to God's love in obedient faith.
Conversion Begins A Life Of Great Change: The word conversion means "to turn about, turn towards." In the lessons that follow, we will observe a true conversion to Christ, as the formerly blind man turns away from the dark ditch of unbelief toward the glorious light of the Son of God.
If you are living in darkness today, there is no reason why you cannot learn from the example of this formerly blind man. Will you be washed and receive your sight today? "And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord" Ac 22:16.
7. Research the "Feast of the Tabernacles" and explain its purpose.
The Feast of Tabernacles is the seventh and last feast that the Lord commanded Israel to observe and one of the three feasts that Jews were to observe each year by going to “appear before the Lord your God in the place which He shall choose” (Deuteronomy 16:16). The importance of the Feast of Tabernacles can be seen in how many places it is mentioned in Scripture. In the Bible we see many important events that took place at the time of the Feast of Tabernacles. For one thing, it was at this time that Solomon’s Temple was dedicated to the Lord (1 Kings 8:2).
It was also at the Feast of Tabernacles that the Israelites, who had returned to rebuild theTemple
The Feast of Tabernacles takes place on the 15th of the Hebrew month Tishri. This was the seventh month on the Hebrew calendar and usually occurs in late September to mid-October. The feast begins five days after the Day of Atonement and at the time the fall harvest had just been completed. It was a time of joyous celebration as the Israelites celebrated God’s continued provision for them from the current harvest and also to remember and celebrate His provision and protection during the 40 years in the wilderness.
As one of the three feasts that all “native born” male Jews were commanded to participate in, the Feast of Tabernacles is mentioned multiple times in Scripture, sometimes called the Feast of the Ingathering, the Feast to the Lord, or the Feast of Booths (Exodus 23:16; Deuteronomy 16:13). As one of the pilgrim feasts (when Jewish males were commanded to go toJerusalem ), it was also the time when they brought their tithes and offerings to the Temple Jerusalem
We find God’s instructions for celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles in Leviticus 23, given at a point in history right after God had deliveredIsrael from bondage in Egypt
The Feast of Tabernacles, like all the feasts, was instituted by God as a way of reminding Israelites in every generation of their deliverance by God fromEgypt
The three pilgrim feasts where all Jewish males were commanded to “appear before the Lord in the place he chooses” are each very important in regards to the life of Christ and His work of redemption. We know with certainty that the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread are symbolic of Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross. Likewise we know that Pentecost, which marked the beginning of the Feast of Weeks, was the time of Jesus’ bodily ascension. And most scholars would agree that the Feast of Tabernacles is symbolic of Christ’s Second Coming when He will establish His earthly kingdom.
But there are also some who believe that it was likely during the Feast of Tabernacles that Jesus was born. While we celebrate Christ’s birth on December 25, most scholars acknowledge that this tradition was begun in the fourth century B.C. by the Roman Catholic Church and that the exact day of Jesus’ birth is unknown. Some of the evidence that Jesus might have been born earlier in the year during the Feast of the Tabernacles includes the fact that it would be unlikely for shepherds to still be in the field with their sheep in December, which is in the middle of the winter, but it would have been likely they were in the fields tending sheep at the time of the Feast of Tabernacles. The strong possibility that Jesus was born at the time of the Feast of Tabernacles is also seen in the words John wrote in John 1:14. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” The word John chose to speak of Jesus “dwelling” among us is the word “tabernacle” which simply means to “dwell in a tent.”
Some believe it is very likely that John intentionally used this word to associate the first coming of Christ with the Feast of Tabernacles. Christ came in the flesh to dwell among us for a temporary time when He was born in the manger, and He is coming again to dwell us among us as Lord of Lords. While it cannot be established with certainty that Jesus was born during the Feast of the Tabernacles, some believe there is a strong possibility the Feast of Tabernacles not only looks forward to His second coming but also reflects back on His first coming.
The Feast of Tabernacles begins and ends with a special Sabbath day of rest. During the days of the feast all native Israelites were “to dwell in booths” to remind them that God delivered them out of the “land of Egypt” and to look forward to the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, who would deliver His people from the bondage of sin. This feast, like all of the feasts ofIsrael
8. What was the "light" to the Jews in the wilderness? Compare the purpose of the light in the wilderness to the walking in the light for the believer.
It was also at the Feast of Tabernacles that the Israelites, who had returned to rebuild the
The Feast of Tabernacles takes place on the 15th of the Hebrew month Tishri. This was the seventh month on the Hebrew calendar and usually occurs in late September to mid-October. The feast begins five days after the Day of Atonement and at the time the fall harvest had just been completed. It was a time of joyous celebration as the Israelites celebrated God’s continued provision for them from the current harvest and also to remember and celebrate His provision and protection during the 40 years in the wilderness.
As one of the three feasts that all “native born” male Jews were commanded to participate in, the Feast of Tabernacles is mentioned multiple times in Scripture, sometimes called the Feast of the Ingathering, the Feast to the Lord, or the Feast of Booths (Exodus 23:16; Deuteronomy 16:13). As one of the pilgrim feasts (when Jewish males were commanded to go to
We find God’s instructions for celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles in Leviticus 23, given at a point in history right after God had delivered
The Feast of Tabernacles, like all the feasts, was instituted by God as a way of reminding Israelites in every generation of their deliverance by God from
The three pilgrim feasts where all Jewish males were commanded to “appear before the Lord in the place he chooses” are each very important in regards to the life of Christ and His work of redemption. We know with certainty that the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread are symbolic of Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross. Likewise we know that Pentecost, which marked the beginning of the Feast of Weeks, was the time of Jesus’ bodily ascension. And most scholars would agree that the Feast of Tabernacles is symbolic of Christ’s Second Coming when He will establish His earthly kingdom.
But there are also some who believe that it was likely during the Feast of Tabernacles that Jesus was born. While we celebrate Christ’s birth on December 25, most scholars acknowledge that this tradition was begun in the fourth century B.C. by the Roman Catholic Church and that the exact day of Jesus’ birth is unknown. Some of the evidence that Jesus might have been born earlier in the year during the Feast of the Tabernacles includes the fact that it would be unlikely for shepherds to still be in the field with their sheep in December, which is in the middle of the winter, but it would have been likely they were in the fields tending sheep at the time of the Feast of Tabernacles. The strong possibility that Jesus was born at the time of the Feast of Tabernacles is also seen in the words John wrote in John 1:14. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” The word John chose to speak of Jesus “dwelling” among us is the word “tabernacle” which simply means to “dwell in a tent.”
Some believe it is very likely that John intentionally used this word to associate the first coming of Christ with the Feast of Tabernacles. Christ came in the flesh to dwell among us for a temporary time when He was born in the manger, and He is coming again to dwell us among us as Lord of Lords. While it cannot be established with certainty that Jesus was born during the Feast of the Tabernacles, some believe there is a strong possibility the Feast of Tabernacles not only looks forward to His second coming but also reflects back on His first coming.
The Feast of Tabernacles begins and ends with a special Sabbath day of rest. During the days of the feast all native Israelites were “to dwell in booths” to remind them that God delivered them out of the “land of Egypt” and to look forward to the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, who would deliver His people from the bondage of sin. This feast, like all of the feasts of
8. What was the "light" to the Jews in the wilderness? Compare the purpose of the light in the wilderness to the walking in the light for the believer.
The cloud led the people in the wilderness until they crosses over the Jordan River into the Promised Land in Canaan . In the person of Jesus Christ we have the full and complete revelation of God to man. He is all the light we need to bring us into God’s holy presence. The only one who can ever reveal the perfect likeness of God is His own Son. He leads us to the Father.
The presence of the cloud was an ever-present witness that God was with them. He was always near. He is the protector for everyone who comes to Him. He has His hands around and under us.
Jesus is the light in the Gospel of John (1:4-9, 12; 3:19; 9:5; 12:46). Jesus is the divine light—the holiness of God. “Light” is the emblem of holiness and righteousness. Christ is the wisdom, righteousness and sanctification and redemption from God.
In the opening section of John chapter eight we see the Light of the world indicating the righteousness of God before the Pharisees who drug a woman in before Him. How powerful that holy light shone when He said, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” Her accusers were cut to the core with convicting power of God. The holiness of Jesus Christ as the Light of the world smote their sin-darkened hearts. The power of the light cut to the core and they departed one by one. “Go and sin no more,” were the words of a righteous God. He did not say go in peace and sin some more.
Jesus is the unique light of the world in the midst of depraved and corrupt mankind. He came and lived the one perfect life which still convicts sinful man. Isaiah 42:6 reads, “I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I will also hold you by the hand and watch over you, and I will appoint you as a covenant to the people, as a light to the nations.” In 49:6 the prophet quotes the Lord, “It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved ones of Israel
Exodus13:21 And the Lord went before them in a pillar - In the two first stages, it was enough that God directed Moses whither to march; he knew the country, and the road; but now they are come to the edge of the wilderness, they would have occasion for a guide, and a very good guide they had, infinitely wise, kind, and faithful, the Lord went up before them; The Shechinah or appearance of the divine Majesty, which was a precious manifestation of the eternal Word, who in the fulness of time was to be made flesh, and dwell among us. Christ was with the church in the wilderness, 1Cor 10:9. What a satisfaction to Moses and the pious Israelites, to be sure that they were under a divine conduct? They need not fear missing their way who were thus led, nor being lost who were thus directed; they need not fear being benighted, who were thus illuminated, nor being robbed, who were thus protected. And they who make the glory of God their end, and the word of God their rule, the spirit of God the guide of their affections, and the providence of God the guide of their affairs, may be confident that the Lord goes before them, as truly is he went before Israel in the wilderness, though not so sensibly. They had sensible effects of God's going before them in this pillar. For, It led them the way in that vast howling wilderness, in which there was no road, no track, no way - marks through which they had no guides. When they marched, this pillar went before them, at the rate that they could follow, and appointed the place of their encampment, as infinite Wisdom saw fit; which eased them from care, and secured them from danger, both in moving, and in resting. It sheltered them from the heat by day, which at sometimes of the year was extreme: And it gave them light by night when they had occasion for it.
In the New Testament, “walking in the light” is directly related to following Jesus, who said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:2). While this verse does not directly say, “Walk in the light, i.e., Jesus,” it does pointedly warn of doing the opposite; therefore, those who follow Jesus are “walking in the light.”
To “walk” is, in short, to live one’s life. One’s lifestyle or way of life can be considered a “walk.” The word also indicates progress. Walking is related to growth; it is taking steps toward maturity. “Light” in the Bible can be a metaphor for life, happiness, righteousness, or understanding. The Bible is clear that light comes from the Lord God, the “Father of the heavenly lights” (James 1:17). He is the opposite of evil. Putting it all together, “walking in the light” means “growing in holiness and maturing in the faith as we follow Jesus.”
The apostle John repeatedly used the “light” metaphor in relation to the Messiah. For example, he writes that Jesus is “the true light that gives light to every man” (John 1:9). In 1 John 1:7 he says, “If we walk in the light as He [God] is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” In verse 5, John says that God’s very nature is light. Jesus, then, is the conduit or provider of light to the world.
Our Christian duty is to live in the light God gives: “Now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). When we walk in the light, we cannot walk in darkness. Sin is left in the shadows as we let our light “shine before men” (Matthew 5:16). It is God’s plan for us to become more like Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:3).
“Walking in the light” means we consider Jesus as “the light” in this world, and we “walk” in that light by following His precepts, living in His power, and growing in His grace. The believer of Jesus Christ is the reflected light of the Lord Jesus. He is the light of the world and He said His followers are to be “light in the world” (cf. Eph. 5:8; John 12:35-36). The “light of life” is the spiritual, divine light that is possessed only by the “follower” or believer in Jesus Christ. Jesus emphasized: “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”
To “walk” is, in short, to live one’s life. One’s lifestyle or way of life can be considered a “walk.” The word also indicates progress. Walking is related to growth; it is taking steps toward maturity. “Light” in the Bible can be a metaphor for life, happiness, righteousness, or understanding. The Bible is clear that light comes from the Lord God, the “Father of the heavenly lights” (James 1:17). He is the opposite of evil. Putting it all together, “walking in the light” means “growing in holiness and maturing in the faith as we follow Jesus.”
The apostle John repeatedly used the “light” metaphor in relation to the Messiah. For example, he writes that Jesus is “the true light that gives light to every man” (John 1:9). In 1 John 1:7 he says, “If we walk in the light as He [God] is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” In verse 5, John says that God’s very nature is light. Jesus, then, is the conduit or provider of light to the world.
Our Christian duty is to live in the light God gives: “Now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). When we walk in the light, we cannot walk in darkness. Sin is left in the shadows as we let our light “shine before men” (Matthew 5:16). It is God’s plan for us to become more like Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:3).
“Walking in the light” means we consider Jesus as “the light” in this world, and we “walk” in that light by following His precepts, living in His power, and growing in His grace. The believer of Jesus Christ is the reflected light of the Lord Jesus. He is the light of the world and He said His followers are to be “light in the world” (cf. Eph. 5:8; John 12:35-36). The “light of life” is the spiritual, divine light that is possessed only by the “follower” or believer in Jesus Christ. Jesus emphasized: “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).
For the Christian the light of Christ actually penetrates him and shall become his personal possession. Our light is His light, a reflection of His light working in and through us.
The figure breaks down as all do when communicating spiritual reality.
This “light of life” is the spiritual life, abiding union with God who is the essence of life.
Darkness and death go together; moreover light and eternal resurrected life also go together.
“God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all.” He sent His Son who is “the light of the world” to give light and eternal life to each person who believes on Him. Each believer is a light shining out in a world of sin, depravity and spiritual darkness.
9. Read and explain Psalm 119:105 in relation to Jesus as the Light. Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet - This begins a new portion of the psalm, indicated by the Hebrew letter Nun (נ n), equivalent to our "n." The margin here is "candle." The Hebrew word means a light, lamp, candle. The idea is, that the word of God is like a torch or lamp ton man in a dark night. It shows him the way; it prevents his stumbling over obstacles, or failing down precipices, or wandering off into paths which would lead into danger, or would turn him away altogether from the path to life. Compare the notes at 2 Peter 1:19.
And a light unto my path - The same idea substantially is presented here. It is a light which shines on the road that a man treads, so that he may see the path, and that he may see any danger which may be in his path. The expression is very beautiful, and is full of instruction. He who makes the word of God his guide, and marks its teachings, is in the right way. He will clearly see the path. He will be able to mark the road in which he ought to go, and to avoid all those by-paths which would lead him astray. He will see where those by-roads turn off from the main path - often at a very small angle, and so that there seems to be no divergence. He will see any obstruction which may lie in his path; any declivity or precipice which may be near, and down which, in a dark night, one might fall. Man needs such a guide, and the Bible is such a guide.
10. Read and relate Matthew 5:14-18 to Jesus as the Light.
Matthew 5:13-16 Ye are the salt of the earth. Mankind, lying in ignorance and wickedness, were as a vast heap, ready to putrify; but Christ sent forth his disciples, by their lives and doctrines to season it with knowledge and grace. If they are not such as they should be, they are as salt that has lost its savour. If a man can take up the profession of Christ, and yet remain graceless, no other doctrine, no other means, can make him profitable. Our light must shine, by doing such good works as men may see. What is between God and our souls, must be kept to ourselves; but that which is of itself open to the sight of men, we must study to make suitable to our profession, and praiseworthy. We must aim at the glory of God.
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