Studies 1 to 2
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PER216
The conflicting assessment of the people
On the last day of the Feast of Sukkot in Jerusalem (October AD 32), Jesus proclaims himself to be a source of living water. The crowd is divided: some recognize him as the Messiah, others refuse to accept what is plain. The guards sent to arrest him disobey, impressed by his words. Nicodemus argues for a fair judgment, while the Pharisees put forward flimsy arguments. The opposition of the religious authorities turns fanatical, making Jesus' death their sole objective.
John 7.51 (King James Version) :Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER218
The Messiah Jesus is the light of the world
At the Feast of Sukkot in Jerusalem, Jesus proclaims himself the ‘light of the world’ (John 8.12-58), drawing on the symbolism of the great illuminations of the Temple. He gradually reveals his divine identity through debates with the Pharisees, culminating in the statement ‘Before Abraham was, I AM’, an explicit affirmation of his pre-existence and his divinity. To believe in him is to enter into the light, the truth and eternal life.
John 8.12 (King James Version) :Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org