“Can This Be the Christ?”

GOLDEN TEXT: “I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” —John 8:12

JOHN 7:37-44

THE result of Jesus’ ministry to his own people, the Jewish nation, was of a twofold nature. There were a few who believed, accepted him as the foretold Messiah, and became his faithful disciples. The majority, however, did not, and among these were a few who bitterly opposed him, particularly the scribes and Pharisees. In today’s lesson we find the doubtful ones and his enemies attempting to challenge the truthfulness of his claims by alleging that he was a Galilean, rather than having come from Bethlehem as the Prophet Micah had foretold.—Mic. 5:2

But as we know, this charge was not accurate. Actually, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, although his Heavenly Father permitted him to spend his boyhood days in Nazareth. Those who love the darkness rather than the light usually seem able to find some apparent excuse for their opposition, and the Lord permits this in order that the true heart condition of all might be tested.

In last week’s lesson Jesus referred to himself as the “bread” of life. Now we find him saying, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.” Water, as well as bread, is essential to life. Bread nourishes and builds up strength, while water refreshes and revives. Upon the basis of our faith, Jesus is all these things to us.

The Master said of him who should believe on him that “out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” John observes that this was a prophecy which began to be fulfilled when the Holy Spirit came upon the waiting disciples after Jesus was raised from the dead and was glorified. That living waters should flow out of Jesus’ disciples emphasizes the oft repeated truth that the Lord’s will for them is that they not only receive blessings of life through Christ, but that, in turn, they also become channels through and from which these blessings flow out to others.

But this fact fails of its full significance until we realize that the disciples during the present age are merely being prepared for a larger and grander work of blessing during the age to come. True, even now we are to do all we can to refresh others with the waters of truth, and if we prove faithful in this present service, we will become a part of that great fountain from which the “river of water of life” will flow out for the blessing of all nations during the Millennium.—Rev. 22:1

In Isaiah 12:3 we find a promise to those who will receive restitution blessings during the next age, and it says that they shall draw water from “the wells of salvation.” These “wells” will be those who during the present age fully believe on Christ, for in the larger sense it will be during the age to come when from these, glorified with their Lord, there will flow “rivers of living water.”—vs. 38

JOHN 8:12-19

HERE we have another beautiful symbol of the life-giving powers of Christ, for he is also the “light of the world.” From him emanates the “light of life.” He assures us that if we follow him we shall not walk in darkness. “In him was life; and the life was the light of men.”—John 1:4

Darkness is used in the Scriptures as a symbol of sin and selfishness, and of all the evil which results therefrom, including death. Satan is the prince of darkness, and under his rulership the world walks in darkness—a deep, chilling darkness, which covers the earth, and a gross darkness which fills the hearts and minds of the people.—Isa. 60:2

But Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” This “light” has been shining in the world for more than nineteen centuries, but few have comprehended it. The people among whom it first appeared when Jesus was personally present with them failed to appreciate this great light, and his followers who became his ambassadors through the commission, “Ye are the light of the world,” have been no more successful. The darkness continues to hate the light.

Later John wrote, “The darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.” (I John 2:8) He could have meant this only with respect to the “little flock” of footstep followers of the Master, for he knew that the world in general of his day was still in darkness. Nevertheless, we are commissioned to let our light shine. Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16) This glorifying of the Father will take place during the future age, when the knowledge of the glory of God fills the whole earth as the waters cover the sea. (Isa. 11:9; Hab. 2:14) It will be then that the darkness of sin and selfishness will be completely dispelled.

QUESTIONS

What was the twofold result of Jesus’ ministry, and has the result of the church’s work been any different?

Explain the manner and time in which “living waters” shall flow out from the disciples of Jesus.

Of what are “light” and “darkness” used as symbols?

Are we to expect that the light of truth will dispel the darkness of the world during the present age?

When will the knowledge of God’s glory fill the whole earth as the waters cover the sea?

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