John 8:19-20 - Lesson #85

Jesus stated He was the light of the world and indicated He was the way to move from the darkness of death to the light of life. The Pharisees contended this claim by stating the word of a single individual was not valid, but "by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established" (Deuteronomy 19:15). Jesus responded by rightly saying that even if He were the only witness, His testimony was still true. But He then took an unexpected turn by saying there were, in fact, multiple witnesses giving testimony; "I am with the Father who sent Me" (John 8:16). Naturally, the Pharisees were surprised.

John 8:19-20
"Then they said to Him, 'Where is Your Father?' Jesus answered, 'You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.' These words Jesus spoke in the treasury, as He taught in the temple; and no one laid hands on Him, for His hour had not yet come."

It's interesting to see the different ways the gospel message is presented in John. To Nicodemus Jesus spoke about being born again, belief, and the gift of eternal life (John 3). To the woman at the well Jesus spoke about asking and receiving the gift of living water (John 4). But in this discussion with the Pharisees Jesus gave a more general view of why He walked the earth: "No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him" (John 1:18). Jesus came to declare the Father - to make Him known!

How can an infinite God reveal Himself to finite man? There is so much about God we will never understand until we see Him "face to face" (1 Corinthians 13:12). And without God taking the initiative there is nothing we would EVER comprehend! But God has given us glimpses of Himself in creation and in the lives of many throughout history. He has moved through men to write His story, and at just the right time He sent Jesus, who came "in the likeness of {finite} men" (Philippians 2:7) to reveal the infinite Father.

Jesus revealed the Father through His teaching; but more importantly, He revealed the Father simply by living and being; "I and My Father are one" (John 10:30). This unique oneness means that to really see the character of Jesus is to see the character of the Father; "He who has seen Me has seen the Father" (John 14:9). Jesus shows us the character of God, which is the character by which we ought to live. But He also provides a way to know God for all eternity; "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God" (John 17:3). We know God only by the grace-filled forgiveness of sin through faith in Jesus.

Though these words were confrontational, no one was able to hinder Him because His time had not yet come. From beginning to end God is in complete control - His purposes will not be stopped. From His virgin birth in a manger to His painful death on a cross, to His victorious resurrection and ascension, each step was to reveal the love, mercy and justice of God. ALL will be accomplished for His glory, and in His time.