John 8:12

THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD (John 8:12-30)

After this, "seated in the Treasury--either some special building of the temple so-called, or that part of the court of the women which contained thirteen chests with trumpet-shaped openings, into which the people, and especially the Pharisees, cast their gifts--he taught as recorded in the present section. In this court were two gigantic candelabra, fifty cubits high, sumptuously gilded, on the summit of which at night during the feast, lamps were lighted which threw their light over the city." In the presence of these lamps, so admired by the throng, probably because attention was just then drawn to them, he exclaimed: "I am the light of the world," in accordance with his custom of fixing his words indelibly by referring to surrounding objects. His statement, fitting from the grandest character the earth has ever known, seemed to the Pharisees presumptuous, but he declares that he had the support of his Father's testimony. This statement led to various questions which resulted in their claim that Abraham was their father and the discourse that we now are called to study.

12.. am the light of the world.

If the account of the woman is in the right place, it would seem that, after that case had reached its settlement, he began his discourse to the people. He had said to his disciples in the Sermon on the Mount that he was the light of the world; now he declares it to the Jewish nation in the temple. It is to be remarked that light was regarded as an accompaniment of the presence of the Lord. Moses beheld the burning bush in Horeb; when he returned from the presence of the Lord on Sinai his face was shining with heavenly radiance; the pillar of fire that lighted Israel on the pilgrimage was the emblem of the presence of God; the Shekinah descended into the Holy of Holies in. blaze of light. While the fiery cloud had lighted Israel Christ makes. more stupendous claim and asserts he is the light of the world. It is easy for us to understand that he is the Sun that chases ignorance, the clouds of doubt and the darkness of despair away, and who fills the soul with the light of heavenly knowledge and hope. When he uttered these words three of those who heard him must have thought of his radiance as they had beheld him shining on the Mount of Transfiguration. It is to be noted that Christ always rises above the thought of being only. national Savior. He bore on his heart the woes of humanity. Other religious teachers have come as "the Light of Asia," or of. particular race, but he came as the "Light of the world," and hence he bade, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."

He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness.

The pillar of fire is referred to which lighted Israel on the march. So shall his followers be lighted by him, and shall have not only light, but "the light of life." "In him was life and the life was the light of men" (John 1:4). His disciples are not in darkness because be imparts to them the new life which fills the soul with light in the reception of the word of God.