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… He declares that to all the pilgrim hosts of men, He is what the cloud with its heart of fire was to that race of desert wanderers (Exodus 13:21 and Numbers 9:15-23). I. AS TO ITS NATURE. That fire in the heart of the cloud was prophetic of our Lord's Deity, enfolded and enshrined in His humanity. II. AS TO ITS FUNCTIONS. The work of the fire-cloud was threefold. 1. It led. — The wilderness was a trackless waste to the hosts of Israel, and they were absolutely dependent on the cloud to show their path, and to find out a resting place each night. 2. It shielded. 3. It gave light. III. AS TO THE CONDITIONS. "He that followeth Me..." We must put Christ first. He must hold the position of Leader and Guide. Which way is He taking? We may generally ascertain this as we endeavour to answer one of the following questions: 1. What is the law of Christ? 2. What is the will of Christ? 3. What would Christ do under the circumstances? If we are not sure, we must wait till we are; but knowing, we must follow at all costs.We cannot follow Jesus except we leave all — our own judgment and wisdom, our schemes and preferences, our predilections and fancies. 1. Shall not walk in darkness. 2. But shall have the light of life. (F. B. Meyer, B. A.) 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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