…You judge by appearances, but I do not judge anyone. And even if I should judge, my judgment is valid, because I am not alone, but it is I and the Father who sent me. Even in your law it is written that the testimony of two men can be verified. I testify on my behalf and so does the Father who sent me." So 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." (Jn 8,12-20)
The dispute is about giving judgment. People pass their judgment looking at the appearances. Appearances are not the realities. Appearances always lead to wrong judgment.
Jesus passes right judgment because his judgment is supported by the Father. Witnesses of two persons are acceptable in front of the law. Though alone (appears to be so), Jesus is never alone.
This is the wrong judgment that the leaders are making, that is, they are thinking that Jesus is alone. This is their judgment on appearance.
Jesus is ready to face any situation because he is convinced that the Father is with him and He is always with Jesus. Jesus is never alone. Jesus is also sure of his origin and destination; Jesus is aware of his source and summit: THE FATHER. This conviction is the evidence for him and it is the reality not just an appearance.
Many Pharisees and scribes are religious in appearance and they appear to be with God and they think that God is with them but in fact, that is not the reality.
Jesus challenges the appearance with a conviction of reality.
