Today's passage contains another of the famous "I am" statements. Compare John's Jesus saying "I am the light of the world" with Matthew's, who says, "You are the light of the world." Matthew is showing an example of how to live life. I much prefer Matthew's "you" because I think it shows us Jesus involved in what he does best: teaching and doing.
John, however, is continuing his treatise on who Jesus is and why we should believe in him. Jesus' discourse continues in the manner of a trial. Testimony is being given and being challenged. Of course, as is always the case in John, the Pharisees don't get it. They continue to take everything literally, even when Jesus, for the first time (according to Burridge), directly quotes the law to them using the phrase "your law.". This isn't about "man's law." It is about divine revelation.
Burridge also continues his explanation that John is building and extended metaphor in which Jesus is deliberately making a connection between himself and God leading the Israelites through the wilderness. This particular thrust of John's Gospel had escaped my notice before reading Burridge's commentary.
One feature of Burridge's commentary that I have not mentioned so far is the little piece at the end of each chapter. Often it is "Prayer." Sometimes it is "for Reflection and Prayer," or "for Prayer and Reflection," sometimes "for Meditation and Prayer," and occasionally just "for Reflection." I always read them, but rarely do I take on the reflection or meditation. This might be something to consider the next time a reflection shows up at the end of a chapter.
Tonight's Prayer:
Light of the World, grant that I may not walk in darkness, but rather know you and your Father in the light of life. (p. 113)Peace,
Jeffri
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