John 8:12

In the rest of the Chapter, we have Christs preaching, conference and debates with several sorts of hearers, which we will consider in order as they lie. As for the time wherein this was done, we need not determine that it was on another day then that wherein he absolved the adulteresse, which some gather from this that the Pharisees were then gone out, verse 9. and are now come in again, verse 13. for it may be conceived, that these who now debate with him, were some others then they who had brought in the woman, who remained among the multitude, to watch for all advantages; or, it needs not be thought strange, that even they should have so much impudence, as shortly to return back, to oppose his Ministry so much as they could.

In the first place, in this verse we have Christ returning to his office of preaching, after that interruption made by the Scribes and Pharisees, and making a rich offer of himself, which occasions all the subsequent debates and discourses. And in it, taking occasion (as would appear) of the Sunnes rising and bright shining in the morning, he holds out himself as the true Sun of righteousnesse and light of the world; offering to all these who follow him, that they shall not onely have present light to order and sweeten their walking, but that this light shall bring life with it, and lead to eternal life. Whence learn, 1. Whatever interruptions wicked men lay in Christs way, yet he will not be hindered from doing and offering good to sinners: for, notwithstanding they hindered him in preaching, verse 2, 3. Yet now he returns to it again, Then spake Jesus again unto them. 2. There is no better way to conciliate love to Christ, then to study to know him well, in his natures, excellencies, riches, and free offers to sinners: Therefore doth he commend himself here that they may follow him, I am the light of the world, &c See Psal. 9.10. Rev. 15.3, 4. 3. The whole world lies in darknesse of it self, being ignorant of misery, and of the remedy thereof, following the works of darknesse, and liable to affliction, wrath, and want of comfort, and to be cast into outer darknesse, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth: for, so is imported in this Doctrine, that without Christ, mankinde are as the world is without the Sunne, and the use of these lights which are enlightened thereby. 4. The remedy of this sad condition is onely to be had in Christ, and he is able to cure all this darknesse, by enlightening the minde, and causing men to know themselves, by discovering and dispelling the works of darknesse, removing of wrath and misery, giving clear and wholsome directions in duty, and chearing up and warming the hearts of his own with his comforts: for, saith he, I am the light of the world. See Ch. 1.4, 5, 9. The Father is indeed a light to which no man can approach, and before whom Angels do cover their faces; but this light being revealed in the Sonne, is brought near, and made comfortable unto men. And his Instruments and Messengers are called lights, because they instrumentally conveigh this light which cometh originally from him. 5. Christ’s grace and light is not confined to one place or sort of persons, but is patent to the world, and to men of all ranks and conditions in it; Therefore is he called the light of the world. 6. They who would participate of the riches that are in Christ, ought to take him for their guide, and follow him, neither presuming to go before and prescribe unto him, nor yet loitering and lying by when he, in his example and directions, is going before; for, the advantage of this offer is, to him that followeth me, saith he. 7. As it is the duty of men who would partake of Christs riches, to follow him; So they who follow him indeed, will employ all the comfort they finde in him, to enable and encourage them to duty, and will account it sufficient, if they be enabled to walk after him, whatever their lot be otherwise. Therefore is the promise held out containing what they may expect in walking. 8. They who follow Christ, may expect that in his light they shall see light; They will not be left in darknesse of ignorance, nor under the power of the wayes of darknesse, or under the danger of outer darknesse: And albeit sometime they may be left under a dark condition, wanting comfort, and feeling wrath, Isa. 50.10. Yet neither is that their allowance, nor shall they constantly walk so, or be left altogether under such a condition, but, in due time, shall have light arising in darknesse: for, so is the promise, he shall not walk in darknesse, but shall have light. 9. The light that comes from Christ will have quickening life accompanying it, and doth in the issue tend to eternal life, whereas the false light of the wicked, ends in sorrow, Isa. 50.11. Therefore is it said, he shall have the light of life, or, that light which is accompanied with the present life of holinesse, which in due time will end in eternal life.