John 12:34-36 The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ stays for ever: and how say you, The Son of man must be lifted up?… The gospel is "light." This marks its origin from heaven. It is no human device, but comes from God Himself. It is "light." This denotes its truth. It is fitting that what is truth, without mixture of error, should be compared to the most simple substance in nature. It is called "light" because of its penetrating and subtle nature. Kindle it up, and no shade is so gross that it cannot penetrate it; there is no imposture so well devised which it will not expose; there are no works of darkness which it will not drag to light and shame; there is no conscience so callous but this light will search it. It is called "light," because of the discoveries which it makes. It is a "great light." It makes manifest the invisible God, in His awful and mild glories. It shows Him in His works, His providence, and His grace; it opens to view the path of peace which has been so long lost; it presents the model and the promises of holiness; displays the connection between the present state of probation and eternity; it plays round the darkness of the tomb, and illuminates the mansion of the grave with hope of a resurrection; it makes the future start to sight, and is both "the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen." But it is called "light" for another reason. It is life and health to the world; it shows us "the Sun of Righteousness," rising with "healing in His wings." The comparison is made to the parent bird, warming her young to life, and giving health and strength by brooding over them. Such is the sun to nature. It warms to life, purges the atmosphere of its vapours, and renews the health of the world. Such is the light of the gospel. Where it prevails, spiritual life is inspired, and the moral disorders of the soul give place to health and vigour. (R. Watson.) Parallel Verses KJV: The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? |
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