The Light and Friend of Sinners

This message continues a series focused upon the “I am” statements of Christ. Thus far we have considered His affirmation “I am the bread of life” in John 6. Now His statement “I am the light of the world” is our focus.

John 8 introduces Christ’s claim by reporting an event that illustrates His power to enlighten. A woman, allegedly caught committing adultery, was brought by the religious leaders to Jesus. They cited Moses’ instruction that adulterers should be stoned (Deut. 22:22, 23), then asked Jesus what He had to say.

Jesus stooped and with His finger wrote on the ground. He challenged any accuser who was without fault to cast the first stone at her, then continued writing. The accusers began departing, the oldest first, consecutively until the last dismissed himself. Noting this, Jesus said to the woman, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (Jn. 8:11).