John Chapter 8 by Dr. Thomas Chung dated 21st July 2013

With John 6 describing many of Jesus’ disciples leaving Him and never coming back because of his “hard’ sayings, John 8 now highlights the Divinity of Jesus which elicited a violent response from the Jewish leaders that progressively culminated in murder. 

2 Sections to this Chapter: 

1.       Vs 1- 11 – Incredible Incident: Jesus’ encounter with woman caught in adultery ( some Bibles do not include this section as the text was included later );

2.       Vs 12- 59 – Glimpse of nature of Jesus’ relationship with his Father marked by intimacy which has practical implications. 

Jesus the “I Am” – 7 times

Meaning of “I Am”: God himself (Exodus 3:14)

1.       I Am the Bread of Life: Jesus as our spiritual food & sustenance for growth and intimacy in our relationship with God. Application: Are we growing, trusting, talking to God in prayer?

2.       I Am the Light of the World (Jn 8:12): Jesus giving sight, insight, revelation c.f. Luke 24: Four openings – Scripture, Mind, Heart & Recognition of Jesus.

3.       I Am the Door/Gate for the sheep (Jn 10:7): Jesus as the spiritual entrance to salvation, the Kingdom & Presence of God.  

4.       I Am the Good Shepherd (Jn 10:14): Jesus giving spiritual provision, guidance, protection.

5.       I Am the Way, the Truth & the Life (Jn 14:6).

7 Aspects of Jesus’ Divinity in his relationship with the Father

1.       “I Am God” (Jn 17:22; 8:14, 23; 3; 13) Application: Preach Jesus as sinless Son of God.

2.       Divine affirmation (Jn 8:18) Father affirmed & sent Jesus. Application: As a church, all we do must be Christ-centred.

3.       Divine Revelation (Jn 8:19, 28) Application: As you read God’s Word, pray that the Holy Spirit will give you revelation & spiritual understanding.

4.       Forgiveness of sin (Jn 8:36, 46; Luke 24:47; 5:21) Application: Essence of the Gospel: Repentance & forgiveness of sin; set free.

5.       Love of God (Jn 8:42; 14:15; 1 Jn 4:19) Application: Obedience to God is evidence of love.

6.       Glory of God (Jn 8:54; Isa 42:8; 48:11) Application: Knowing, seeing & feeling the Glory of God’s Presence.

7.       Eternity (Jn8:58; 14:2; 17:3) Sums up relationship with God. We are an eternal people of God. Application: We have the Gospel of Eternity to proclaim.