Here we are early in the morning, and people have gathered at the temple! (John 8) Yes, this is the time when a woman was dragged to the temple (can we say entrapment)? As you read this chapter, several things will be revealed to you as you establish it all with prayer and these facts: It was early, and it was DARK. Not only was an adulteress brought to the Lord, to trap Him, but some other things were going on. The time had come to celebrate the "Dedication of the Temple and Festival of Lights." Here is the passage: Jesus went unto the mount of Olives (you KNOW He went to pray, and to overlook the city). And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman (where is the man?) taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act (they were planning and scheming—and watching). Now Moses in the Law (Teachings) commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting Him that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he stood up, and said unto them, he that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus stood up, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, woman, where are those who are your accusers? Hath no man condemned thee? She said, no man. Jesus said unto her, neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true. Jesus answered and said unto them, “though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. You judge after the flesh; I judge no man.” It is interesting that the statement was made that Yeshua was the Light of the world. This is the time of year when the community (and then some), would go to the temple with their lights (lamp stands). Can you imagine the entire temple burning brightly, where the only lights in the place were flickering flames fueled by olive oil? There are a whole lot of similarities and symbolic meanings behind these facts. ...Especially since Yeshua has just arrived at the temple for the Annual dedication celebration--from the Mount of Olives. (Rev 22:5, Isa 60:19 & Zech 14:7) gives more thought to these passages in John 8, and the quote the Lord Himself made, "there will be no light in that city (New Jerusalem), for I will be that Light." This is not only a reference to the Messiah's arrival, but to Himself. The Pharisees took great offence to these words of our Messiah, but they still rang true in their ears. How does all this tie together? When Adonai declared that "He is the Light of the world," it still let you know that the teachers and Law guiders of that day did not believe that Joseph and Mary's Son was the Messiah--even though the Torah, Writings, Prophets, B'rit Hadasha (John 1:1-5) and signs told of Him. We have not even discussed the other celebratory things that are taking place during this time of year. Some honors the Lord, and some dishonors Him. Here is a thought... When times get tough, and things are rough all around, what happens in your mind and heart? Do you fret? Do you pray? Do you celebrate? Do you go to the Mt. of Olives to get some fresh olives to make some "freshly squeezed" olive oil for your lamps, so you can see your way through the darkness? I have not always picked a fresh bushel basket, and certainly the Nation of Israel has not. They will though! The time draws near. Even in our darkest hour, Israel (Judah), Lost Tribes, and us must remember that we can still CHOOSE to see. We have to light the candle (wick of the One who never burns out). His Oil never ends. Even in Israel's darkest times: Holocaust, 6 day war, 400 years in Egypt, 2 captivities (2 nations and the 10 wayward nations lost), being robbed of their YHVH given land, Arab nations constantly attacking you (this should not be) and Muslim hatred of the people of Promise (the heir war). We haven't mentioned those of the Messianic and Christian faith who have been and are still being martyred for Yeshua HaMashiac's Kingdom’s Cause and Name. Israel has been given a Promise by their God, and He simply CAN'T and WON'T break it. With the Lord being the Light in that city, this proud Nation can still see hope. Why? Because their Light has all ready come!