Études 1 à 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 7.52 (King James Version) :They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.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 8.48-58 (King James Version) :Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org