Note: This series is written as a first-person narrative to present Jesus in the context he walked in with the unknown disciple that narrates introducing my thoughts and sparking more ideas with his questions. Enjoy.
Later that day, we were in the Court of Women at the temple where most of the festivals were held. Adjacent to us was the treasury, the most secure site in Jerusalem since temples also doubled as banks. Who would steal from sacred ground?
Jesus spoke again to the people. He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Light of the world? Like Isaiah’s prophecy about Israel being a light to the Gentiles? Or the servant? It said, “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”
Some Pharisees challenged him saying, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.”
Nothing was credible unless 2 or 3 witnesses saw it. It was harder to convict someone. One witness is not enough to condemn anyone accused of any crime or offense they may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.
We looked at Jesus.
Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. In your own Law, it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.”
Then they asked him, “Where is your father?”
“You do not know me or my Father,” Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.”
That usually really angered the Pharisees. Today, they didn’t try to grab him. I wondered why.
John 8:12-20
Deuteronomy 19:15
Isaiah 42:6; 49:6
A Ronin's Journey 