In Good Company: Sharing the Gospel Truth Like Jesus, Despite the Critics

John 8:12

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

Light, for me, is a powerful image. It reveals what's hidden in the shadows and the darkness. Light provides direction and brings the warmth of God's presence. In a world often clouded by confusion, fear, and sin, Jesus’ claim to be the light offers assurance to us so that we can trust his judgment. And it's important to notice that he's not saying that he can show you the light in some tangible thing or that the light is over there or that he will even create the light. Instead, he's telling you that he, himself is the light. And so, following Him means aligning our lives with His teachings, trusting His guidance, and allowing His presence to dispel our inner darkness.

Following Jesus means being illuminated by his teachings. It's our vitality, a life infused with meaning, connected to God’s eternal purpose.

In Scripture, light is often a symbol of God’s presence, holiness, and truth. Jesus identifies Himself as the "light of the world," aligning Himself with God’s divine essence. And if you think back to when we began this journey through John's gospel, you'll recall John states, "In him was life, and the life was the light of men" (John 1:4).

Here, light represents the revelation of God’s truth.

Q: Truth about what?

A: The darkness.

Q: What is the darkness?

A: The darkness of all sin (human and angelic), ignorance, and spiritual blindness.

And so, this light is a victory over the darkness of our ignorance, but more than that, it's a mirror into our desires seeking that darkness. As the gospel says earlier...

John 3:19-20

"And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed."

And we see this in the response of the Pharisees.

John 8:13

The Pharisees challenged him, "Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid."

Friends,

Have you ever experienced this when you've been sharing the gospel truth? Have you noticed dissent, not against the light you shared, but instead against your own authority to share it. You've witnessed a truth in God's inspired word, shared it for others to witness, and somehow you've disqualified yourself because you're the one witnessing to it. Which in their minds means it's not from God, even though you've only repeated what you've heard from God's inspired word.

Rather than engage with the message of the gospel, some will dismiss the whole message because of the messenger. They question the speaker’s legitimacy despite the truth being rooted in Scripture. And what we can learn from this today? We are not alone. And in fact, this very thing happens to Jesus. So, you're in good company.

And notice what Jesus does with their questions...

John 8:14-18

Jesus answered, "Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me."

So, imagine you or me trying to claim that our authority is valid because God himself is our witness. And yet, that is in fact what we do every time we share the gospel. Every time we give a word from God, every time we give our testimony, we are giving that message because The Father gave it to us to give.

Jesus exposes the Pharisees’ superficial standards, rooted in pride and ignorance, while His judgments align with God’s truth. This response reveals Jesus’ confidence in His identity as the light, undeterred by opposition. And we share that light undeterred by opposition because Jesus is our witness.

People may question your qualifications, point to your flaws, or dismiss your testimony as "just your opinion." And we shouldn’t be surprised when our witness is challenged (John 15:20, "If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also" ). This shared experience unites us with Christ.

And so here we are, standing in solidarity with the radical claim that Jesus makes about himself and his testimony which was given to him from the Father. And now, Jesus takes it to the next level...

John 8:23-24

But he continued, "You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins."

God as Our Witness:

The Pharisees’ tactic was to discredit Jesus to avoid His message. And our opponents are operating in this same way even today. They are simply deflecting the gospel's conviction. Jesus’ example teaches us to stay focused on the truth, not their criticism. Don't buy into it, instead we push back by telling the truth as Jesus did. Ground your sharing in Scripture. If challenged, point to God’s Word as the source (e.g., "This is what John 8:12 says about Jesus" ). But of course, you'll then be accused of proof texting.

So, what is the ultimate truth Jesus is sharing?

Plain and simple, if you die without the gospel truth you die in your sins.

Jesus contrasts His heavenly origin with the Pharisees’ worldly perspective, rooted in human standards. And Jesus says about us, if we continue in him, we are indeed his disciples.

John 8:32

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

And so there it is, the assurance, the proof text, the authority and the judgment.

Was Jesus proof texting?

Proof texting involves selectively quoting Scripture to prove a point, often without regard for its context, original meaning, or broader biblical narrative. It’s criticized when verses are used to support personal opinions or agendas, detached from their intended purpose.

Is Jesus guilty of being involved in this kind of behavior?

Well let's look at an example of proof texting:

Let's say you pull a verse like Jeremiah 29:11 ("for I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you" ) with the intent to promise material success. Doing this ignores its context of exile and restoration for Israel. So, it's really about the intent.

So, did Jesus’ citation of the Law in John 8:17 resemble proof texting, or was it something else entirely?

Jesus uses Deuteronomy 19:15 not to cherry-pick a verse for His own agenda but to meet the Pharisees on their own terms. They raised a legal objection, so He responds with a principle from the Law that they revere, showing His testimony aligns with its standard (He and the Father as two witnesses). Unlike proof texting, which often ignores context, Jesus’ reference is precise and relevant. Proof texting often serves human arguments, but Jesus, as the divine Word (John 1:1), speaks with inherent authority. His citation of the Law isn’t a crutch to prop up His claim, it’s a gracious engagement within His audience’s framework, redirecting them to His divine identity.

And frankly, I think they knew this about him. Somewhere deep down they know he is the Messiah. And they know deep down that his mother and father are beyond protestation. But this doesn't deter some among them from being outlandish. Jesus is now engaged is an intense back-and-forth with these lawyers. And he makes his case in their law as a lawyer might. So, they've been disarmed by their own legal system. And the result is things get nasty.

Jesus responds to their unfounded accusations by pointing out that they are serving the father of lies...

John 8:41

"You are doing the works of your own father."

They passive-aggressively respond with an attack upon Jesus' character by pointing out his family history.

"We are not children of fornication,"

They're accusing Jesus of being a bastard born son of Mary. So, news has gotten around. People have been digging up dirt. Jesus is being outed. And it's extremely ironic because truth be told it's not one hundred percent untrue. Truth is Jesus' father is The Father, not Joseph. His birth isn't on the up and up by human standards. And I say "extremely ironic" because the Pharisees claim an untruth about themselves...

"The only Father we have is God himself."

Which is not true of them but is true of Jesus. Very ironic.

The Pharisees don’t dispute the Law’s principle but reject Jesus’ application of it to Himself, deflecting from His message by focusing on technicalities. And likewise, those who speak for Christ, those who advocate for Jesus' gospel, will also be accused of proof texting. Their dissenters will often sidestep the gospel’s truth by critiquing the method or messenger. They'll attack them for being reformed in their faith, or for being outside the mainstream orthodoxy. They'll comment on their past sins or the sins of others like them. Like the Pharisees’ objections, these are often deflections to avoid the light’s conviction (John 3:19-20).

So, like I said earlier, you're in good company. Jesus cited the Law accurately and contextually, do likewise, study the scriptures and be ready to give a reply. Ensure you understand their meaning within the passage and biblical narrative to counter proof texting accusations.

Rely on God’s Authority:

Jesus trusted the Father’s witness (John 8:18). When criticized, remember you share this trust with Jesus because the same Father gave it to us to give. The Word carries its own power.

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

The Word does that. It doesn't suggest that the traditions of men do that, in fact the Word says the traditions of men are wicked and from Satan.

John 8:44-45, 47b

"You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me!"

"The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God." (vs. 47b)

Jesus spoke boldly and with conviction, but also redemptively, aiming to save you will be saved, not to condemn (John 8:24). They condemn themselves. If accused of proof texting, respond with humility, keeping the focus on the gospel’s hope.

Take this to heart:

1 Peter 3:14-16

"But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame."

Don’t let their accusations silence you, your role is to shine the light, trusting God with the outcome. Share a verse this week, even if you fear criticism. Trust God uses your faithfulness, as He did Jesus’.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Light of the World, thank You for using Scripture to reveal truth. When I’m accused of proof texting or dismissed because of my weaknesses, help me share Your Word faithfully, with love and confidence in Your authority. Let Your light shine through me, drawing others to believe in You. Amen.