Jesus teaches about himself
The Feast of Tabernacles: Jesus says more
For many people the feast was the last chance to hear Jesus speak. Some of his words surprised them very much. He also performed one of his greatest miracles.
Jesus is the light of the world
12 Jesus spoke to the people again. He said, ‘I am the light of the world. Those people who become my disciples will never walk in the dark. No, they will have the light that gives life.’
8:12Jesus said that he was the light of the world. The Jews lit a special light in the temple during the Festival of Tabernacles.
John 8:12 EasyEnglish Bible (EASY)
9 I am like the gate. Everyone who comes in through me will be safe. They will be free to come in and to go out. And they will find plenty of food.
John 10:9 EasyEnglish Bible (EASY)
10 The robber only wants to take away my sheep. He wants to kill them. He comes only to destroy them. But I have come so that they can have true life. And so that they can have everything that they need.
10:8These men were leaders who said that they wanted to take care of God's people. But they did not really help the people. Instead they hurt them, like robbers.
John 10:10 EasyEnglish Bible (EASY)
Jesus used words like pictures to describe himself
Jesus spoke very clearly about his offer. He used words like pictures to describe himself. He said ’I am here as the light of the world‘. He did not mean that he really shone like a light. He wanted to teach us more. Let us look again at these words. A light can guide us and help us to be safe. Jesus can guide us as we live our lives. He can help us to know what is true. We can learn the truth about ourselves. We can learn what God has provided for us. God can provide what we need most. The apostle Paul said that a man does not naturally understand spiritual things. He does not know who God is. And a man does not know how God thinks or works. Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to teach us (1 Corinthians 2: 14). When we trust Jesus, he gives us real life. If this does not happen, we are dead spiritually. We do not know God, and cannot please him.
A purpose to live for
Jesus then said, ’It is dangerous to walk in the darkness. But the person who trusts me is safe. He is like someone who travels in the daylight for his whole life.‘ Jesus meant that he gives us a purpose to live for. It is a new way to live, that means something. He gives us freedom and power to live this life. He came to rescue us from sin, and to give us a new way to live. This new way has real meaning. We will understand these words better if we study the story in John 9. This tells us about something that happened at this feast.
