The Pulpit Commentary on John 8:12

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Jesus the Light of the world.

As he had applied to himself one of the typical miracles of the wilderness, so here he represents himself as the antitype of the fiery pillar that led the Israelites during their long pilgrimage.

I. JESUS AS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. "I am the Light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the Light of life."

1. Jesus was a Light to the Gentiles as well as the Jews. (Isaiah 42:6.) Like the sun, his light is diffused through all nations of the earth.

2. He is the Light of truth to the understanding. "In thy light shall they see light" (Psalms 36:9). The Light of truth to the understanding, the Light of love to the heart, the Light of righteousness to the conscience.

3. He is the Light of glory. "The Lamb is the Light thereof" (Revelation 21:23). Happy, therefore, are they who are his followers now!

II. THE BLESSING OF THOSE WHO FOLLOW THE LIGHT.

1. It is a blessing for those who are moving forward, not for those who are going backward into darkness.

2. The believer will not walk in darkness.

(a) There is danger in darkness.

(b) There is discomfort in darkness.

(a) of ignorance, for once he knew not what he was, where he was, or whither he was going;

(b) of error, for he walks in the truth of the gospel;

(d) of sin, for he sees Christ and enjoys the blessed promise, "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."

3. The believer shall have the Light of life.

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