John 8:12-20 Then spoke Jesus again to them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness… Note — I. THE GREAT ASSUMED TRUTH WHICH LIES UNDERNEATH THE WHOLE VERSE is the fall of man. The world is in a state of moral and spiritual darkness. Naturally men know nothing rightly of themselves, God, holiness, or heaven. They need light. II. THE FULL AND BOLD MANNER OF OUR LORD'S DECLARATION. He proclaims Himself to be "the Light of the world." None could truly say this but one, who knew that He was very God. No prophet or apostle ever said it. III. HOW OUR LORD SAYS THAT HE IS "THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD." He is not for a few only, but for all mankind. Like the sun He shines for the benefit of all, though all may not value or use His light. IV. THE MAN TO WHOM THE PROMISE IS MADE. It is to him "that followeth Me." To follow a leader, if we are blind, or ignorant, or in the dark, or out of the way, requires trust and confidence. This is just what the Lord Jesus requires of sinners who want to be saved. Let them commit themselves to Christ, and He will lead them safe to heaven. If a man can do nothing for himself, he cannot do better than trust another and follow him. V. THE THING PROMISED TO HIM WHO FOLLOWS JESUS — deliverance from darkness and possession of light. This is precisely what Christianity brings to a believer. He feels and sees, and has a sense of possessing something he had not before. God "shines into his heart and gives light." He is "called out of darkness into marvellous light" (2 Corinthians 4:4-6; 1 Peter 2:9). (Bp. Ryle.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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