The Pulpit Commentary — John — Volume 1 — Section 508

Ver. 12.-_The world's true Light. Whether this figurative language was suggested by the mornmg sun, as it rose in the east over the crown of Olivet, or by the great lamps which were, during the Fe.'\St of Tabernacles, kindled ill the temple court at cwning, in either case its appropriateness and beauty are manifest. I. THIS SIMILITUDE EXHIBITS THE GLORY A.ND POWER OF CHRIST IN HIS OWN :KATURE. Light is a form of universal force, proceeding from the sun, the vast reservoir of power, and acting by the motion of the ethereal medium in wave-like vibrations. Artificial light is only the same force stored up in the earth, and liberated for purposes of illumination. The sun may therefore be regarded a.s, for us, the centre and source of all light. By its rays we know the glories and beauties of earth and sea; and to them we are indebted, not only for knowledge, but for much enjoyment and for many practical advantages. If, then, anything crea.t~d and material can serve as an emblem of the Lord Jesus, the Son of God, this majestic luminary may well fulfil this purpose. He who first said, "Let there be light I " gave to mankind the great Sun of Righteousness who bas arisen upon the world. None but the Divine Lord and Saviour of mankind could justly claim to be "the Light of the world." II. THls SIMILITUDE EXHIBITS THE BLESSINGS WBIOH CHRIST BRINGS TO THE WORLD. 1. The world of humanity is in the darkness of ignoranr.e, and the Lord Jesus brings to it heavenly knowledge. Christ is the true Light, instructing meu who a.re very ignorant of God, of his designs of mercy, of the prospects of the future, a.nd indeed of everything that is most important for man as a. spiritual being to be acquainted with. 2. The world of humanity is in the darkness of sin, and the Lord Jesus brings to it the light of forgiveness and holiness. As when a dark dungeon is thrown open, so that the sunlight streams into it; so was it with the world when Christ came to the dark places of the earth, and irradiated them with his holy presence. They who sometime were darkness now became light in the Lord. 3. 'fhe world of humanity lay in the darkness of ,l,ea,th; the Lord Jesus brought to it the light of life. Vitality is hindered by darkness, and is fostered by daylight; the plant which is pale and sickly in the cellar grows green and healthy when exposed to the sunshine. Mankind when in sin are liable to spiritual death. Christ introduces the principle of spiritual vitality, a.nd they who partake of it, and pass from darkness into glorious light, bear in abundance the blossom of piety and the fruit of obedience. 4. The world of humanity is in darkness and danger ; the Lord Jesus brings the light of safety. He is a Lamp to guide the searchers, a Lantern to light upon the path of safety, a Torch to those who explore the cavern, a Pharos to those who sail the stormy seas, a Harbour- light to guide into the haven of peace, a Pole-star to direct the wanderer's course, a Pillar of fire to light the nation's desert march. So our Saviour warns men of spiritual perils, directs their steps into spiritual safety, directs in circUinBtances of difficulty and perplexity, brings to eternal peace. , . Ill. THE SIMILITUDE REMINDS UB OF OUR DUTY WITH REFERENCE 'TO CHRIST. 1. To admire and adore the light. 'l'he old Persians worshipped the rising sun; Christians may well worship their glorious Lord. 2. To walk in the light. Let it be remembered that the sun shines in vain for those who conceal themselves from his beams; and that e\'en to admire is not enough, if we fail to make use of the heavenly shilliog to guide our steps aright. "Thon Sun of our day, thou Star of onr night, We walk by thy ray, we live in thy light; Oh shine on us ever, kind, gracious, and wise, ADd nowhere a.nd never be hid from our_eyea.n T. Ver. 26.-" WM art thOU, 1" The startling and authoritative lan~uage In which the Lord Jesus, in converBatioD and discussion with the unfriendly Jews of Jerusalem, oa. vm. 1-69.J THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. JOHN. 38.3