John 8:12 Commentary - Dr Peter Masters

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John 8:12

Comments

What beautiful words they are: ‘I am the light of the world.’ That means, ‘I am the exclusive light of the world.’ There is only one great beacon of light in this world, and that is Christ. This was the time of the feast of tabernacles – we’ve read about this in chapter 7. Part of the climax of the feast of tabernacles was the ceremony of the lighting of the lamps. The four great lamps, the candelabra in the temple, and they were lit dramatically together, shedding so much light. This was to remind the people, primarily, of the burning, fiery pillar – that pillar of cloud, and pillar of fire, that led the people in the wilderness by day, and by night – the guide and the light to the people. The pillar of fire that led the children of Israel was a symbol of me. I give understanding, and I lead my people, those who come to me. It is also thought that these celebrations reminded the people of the Shekinah cloud and the glory of the Lord in the Temple. How fitting it is that he should say these words having shone that light even into the hearts of proud Pharisees, bringing them under conviction, and shone the light of forgiveness into the life of this adulteress. Well, night stands for ignorance. Night stands for sin and depravity. Light is illumination, new life, new heart. Light of the world, understanding of the Lord, understanding of the message of the Gospel and of the whole Bible. ‘I am the light of the world’, not only of Jews but of Gentiles, nations also. He is the light of the Gentiles, indeed, and there are so many scriptures - prophesies in Isaiah – He is going to be a light to the children of Israel, and a light to the Gentiles: he is a light to all nations of the world. He is a light of happiness and assurance – I come to him, he assures my heart that he is mine and that I am His, and when I pray to Him, I sense and I know that he is there, the great listener to the prayers of his people. Why, he is the light of assurance, and certainty, and happiness. And, of course, he is the light of eternity. He alone can show us of things ahead.

Application

I am come not to be a political deliverer to the whole nation of Israel, I am come to give salvation to individual people who repent. So we notice the ‘he that followeth me’, obeys me, like a disciple obeys a teacher; obeys me, when I say repent; obeys me, when I say trust me; obeys me, when I say yield your life to me.

‘He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.’ Possess the light of life. You can have the burning fiery pillar for yourself in Christ. You can possess him. You can belong to him. You may have him, and that means you will possess him just as he possesses you. To have him as your friend, as your Lord, as your Saviour. You have him in every sense.

The word translated ‘followeth’ has a strong element of union in it: ‘He who links himself to me – closely follows me, is identified with me, as a disciple to a teacher.’ If you are believer in Christ, it’s no use at all if you have only a distant following, a distant hold – ‘Well, I believe these things are true; I believe in Christ; I believe in his death on Calvary for sinners; and I go to church, once a week. I kind of believe these things.’ No, ‘I depend upon Him. I will obey Him. I will love him and serve Him, because he saved me, and changed me.’ That’s what’s in mind here.

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John 8:12 Commentary and Bible Study

Explain meaning of John 8:12