Then spake Jesus again unto them saying,

I am the light of the world.

He that follow with me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Hello listeners, this is Nick from Scripture Central, and today's podcast addresses the question,

How does John portray Jesus as the way of the temple?

Throughout the Gospel of John, various images and symbols point both ancient and modern Christians to the temple.

Significantly, John S. Thompson has observed that the ordering of these temple

themes in John's Gospel appear to outline a progressive path similar to the architectural

and ritual program of the Israelite Temple. This view can deepen our appreciation for the idea

that Jesus' ministry signals the way for each of us to follow in order to return to the presence of the Father.

As John begins his gospel, he records that Jesus was in the presence of the Father in the beginning.

According to Thompson, early sources regarding the temple theology of the Holy of Holies equated with the creation,

particularly the first day when light came into the world. Consequently, the Holy of Holies can also represent the pre-creation presence of

God with His heavenly hosts or counsel. Such themes appear in the initial verses of John's gospel.

However, Jesus did not remain in the presence of the Father

in the Holy of Holies. As John records, the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. In other words,

it could be understood that the Son descended from the presence of God in the Holy of Holies

and came out of the temple into the world. The following events of Christ's

mortal ministry appear to reflect his journey back to the Holy of Holies, taking his disciples

with him, and opening the way for all of God's children to enter his presence again.

In the temple courtyard, preparatory ordinances were performed, allowing entrance to the

temple itself. These ordinances focus on the labor of water used by the priests for purification

...