The Pulpit Commentary — John — Volume 1 — Section 516

ncss. (2) Enjoymr-nt of light. "The Light of life." Without life there is no light. 'l'ho Di vine life is the parent of every li;,(ht, from the least to the greatest-physical, mental, nnd spiritnnl light, The follower of Jesus shall have light from him who iA the Life, which produces and supports life, and leads to life, the highest life, the spiritual life of the soul, enjoyecl here o.nd to be enjoyed hereafter under the most advantageou~ and permanent circumstances, which will result in the most exquisite happiness and the most ecstatic delights. LESSONS, 1. Jesus was the greatest or the most selfish and deceptive the WO'T'ld ever saw. 'l'he world has had its philosophers and poets, men of learning and Bages, but none of them professed to have more light lhan was sufficient to see the gloom within and without, and to sigh for more light; but here is a. carpenter's Son, saying with the greatest confidence and naturalness to a mixed audience in the gorgeous temple of his country, "I am the Light of the world." He could not be selfish and deceptive. This would be diametrically opposed to bis whole life and character. He must be what he prefessed to be, for there is light. The evidence of the ages is on his side. For upwards cf eighteen centuries, none have eclipsed him and none have approached him, only a few of his most eminent followers. 2. .Although the Light of the world, yet he is the Light of every individual soul. He is great enough to be the Light of the world, yet his rays are subtle enough to enter every human heart and conscience. Angels may for ever learn of him, but Mary may sit at his feet. Bright seraphim bask and blaze in bis light, still his gentle beams will cheer the lowly heart and contrite spirit. 3. Being the Light of the world, its destiny is very hopeful. In spite of darkness, ignorance, vice, death, and misery, we may well hope for better things. "Through the shadows of the globe we sweep into a younger day." 4. Being the Light of the WO'T'ld and of life, let the world and life have their own. Let not the world, let no human life, grope iu darkness for want of light. Through enlightened souls alone can the light of Christ be transmitted to the world; if we are enlightened, it is our duty to bear the light abroad. 5. Being the Light of the world, it is the solemn duty of the world to follow him. The only way to avoid darkness. Apart from Christ there is no light but the weirci flames of misery and lurid fires of torture. Follow him, and all the da.rk circumstances uf life will be radiant ; follow him, and the valley of the shadow of death will become bright as day, and introductory to a day without a. cloud or ending.-B. T. Vers. 31, 32.-True CJhristian dismpleship. I. IN ITS CONDITIONS. These are: I. The possession of Christ's Word. (1) The possession of his Word is necessary to faith in him. 'l'he Word of Christ reveals him to faith-reveals his mind, his thoughts, his heart, bis will, his character and mission. His Word is as an instrument-is the generator of faith. "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing," etc. It is the great medium of communication between Christ and faith, and the means by which faith transforms Christ into the soul. It is the nutriment, strength, and the life of faith. (2) Faith in Christ is necessary to discipleship. Christian discipleship begins with faith in Christ. This is its lowest condition and first grade. These Jews were disciples because they had o. certain degree of faith in Christ; but they were weak disciples, their faith being weak and young-they were infant scholars. But they could not be even this without a degree of faith, and faith comes from the Word. (3) His Word is the great disciplinary instrument of his school. It contains the lessons taught by him and learnt by the disciples. All illumination, kuowledge, inspiration, moral and spiritual training, and progress, are attained through his Word. In his Word the disciples meet and find him. ( 4) His Word must be possessed in its/ulness and purity. "My Word." It must be Christ's Worcl, pure and simple, and the whole of his Word, without any addition, subtraction, or admixture. Any of these will affect the discipleship, make it incomplete or unreal. 2. A vital possession of Christ's lVord. 'l'he possession is not merely outward and intellectual, bnt inward and spiritual. The Word must be in the soul, and the soul in the Word. Christ is in the Christian, and the Christian is in Christ. Christ's \Vor<l is in his disciple, and the disciple is in his Word. Both mean the 8ame, only in the latter prominence is given to the Word. 'l'his implies: (I) The closest union between the soul and the Word. The Word is in the soul, and the soul is in tbe Word. The uuion between the body and soul is not as near, real, and lasting. It is liko the union between the Divine Son and the Fatht·r. (2) The Word as (he subJect of tM mcsl  THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO S'l'. JOl:IN. [crt. vtu.1--69,