'Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” So the Pharisees said to him, “You testify on your own behalf, so your testimony cannot be verified.” Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I do testify on my own behalf, my testimony can be verified, because 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. You judge by appearances, but I do not judge anyone. And even if I should judge, my judgment is valid, because I am not alone, but it is I and the Father who sent me. Even in your law it is written that the testimony of two men can be verified. I testify on my behalf and so does the Father who sent me.” So they said to him, “Where is your father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” He spoke these words while teaching in the treasury in the temple area. But no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come (Jn. 8:12-20). '
In the first chapter of John, the evangelist declared, “The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world (Jn. 1:9).” Jesus revealed to the crowd that he was the light of the world and those who come to him come to the light but those who do not accept him and commit evil deeds prefer darkness. Jesus is the light that enlightens our minds to divine revelation, and he is also the light that enables us to accept the revelation and live by it. He came to bring life and his testimony was confirmed by the miracles and wonders that we worked. His testimony can also be verified by his Father; “This is my chosen Son; listen to him (Lk. 9:35).” Jesus came from his Father and he does not judge to condemn; but if he did judge his judgment for salvation would be true. Jesus said, “Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in the one who sent me (Jn. 12:44).” The Pharisees rejected Jesus so they could not hear/know the Father in/through Jesus’ words. They could not arrest Jesus because his Father did not permit it at that time.
Almighty God, enlighten our minds to your truths and help us to live by them. Send your Holy Spirit upon us with the fire of your divine love that we may set aflame all who desire to know and love you and spread the Gospel of salvation. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
References:
Raymond E. Brown, Joseph A. Fitzmyer, & Roland E. Murphy, (Eds.). (1990, 1968). The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentis Hall, Inc.
Jose M. Casciaro, Santiago Ausin, Gonzalo Aranda, Claudio Basevi, Vincente Balaguer, Francisco Varo, James Gavigan, Brian McCarthy & Thomas McGovern (Eds.). (2017). The Navarre Bible - New Testament. Dublin 8, Ireland: Four Courts Press.
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