Jn 8:12-20
12Jesus spoke to [the people] again, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” 13So the Pharisees said to him, “You testify on your own behalf, so your testimony cannot be verified.” 14Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I do testify on my own behalf, my testimony can be verified, because I know where I came from and where I am going. But you do not know where I come from or where I am going. 15You judge by appearances, but I do not judge anyone. 16And even if I should judge, my judgment is valid, because I am not alone, but it is I and the Father who sent me.
17Even in your law it is written that the testimony of two men can be verified. 18I testify on my behalf and so does the Father who sent me.” 19So they said to him, “Where is your father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” 20He spoke these words while teaching in the treasury in the temple area. But no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.
JESUS, THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD: One of the themes of the Gospel of John is that of replacement: Jesus replaces the feasts and institutions of the Jews.
Jesus’ revelation of himself as “the light of the world” takes place in Jerusalem during the feast of the Succoth or Tabernacles, a celebration of the late harvest. Aside from the building of huts in the holy city, the feast calls for lighting of torches and menorahs, the seven-branched candlesticks. The Temple and the city are a sight to behold as they are enveloped by light. On this occasion, Jesus reveals himself as the true light, not just of the city but of the world.
Light symbolizes the majesty of God and his protective presence among men. Light saves from peril, directs the steps, and leads to happiness. Jesus gives light by his words and deeds; his illuminating functions come from what he is himself: the light of men, the true light which enlightens every person (Jn 1:4, 9). Jesus shows himself as the light by giving sight to the man born blind (Jn 9). More than giving him physical sight, Jesus leads the man to a spiritual insight about him: that he is a prophet and that he is from God. The man is thrown out of the synagogue because he holds on to this belief, but he is the one who clearly sees and is justified. The Pharisees, on the other hand, persist in taking Jesus as a sinner because he cures on the Sabbath.