As he spake these things, many believed on him. Jesus, symbolizing the I AM, the Christ, again is proclaiming Truth from the absolute standpoint. As He persists the light of Christ eventually does filter into consciousness. Through self-righteous adherence to outer forms man resists his true unfoldment or evolution. The egotistical personality assumes that its world of phenomena is real and that all talk about disappearing into spirit is illusion.
Sanctimoniousness develops from the belief that intellect can be spiritually sanctified.
It is working to redeem the self-righteous, Pharisaical, intellectual man. I speak these things. Every one that committeth sin is the bondservant of sin. If therefore the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. An understanding of Truth comes only to those who abide faithfully in the teachings of Jesus.