The Light of the World

MEMORY VERSE: “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.” —John 8:12

JOHN 9:1-7

IN LAST week’s lesson we saw Jesus as the “Bread” of life. This week’s lesson presents him as “Light,” “the Light of the world” Light also is essential to life. In our memory verse Jesus uses the expression, “light of life” This lesson also is based on a miracle—the healing of a man who was born blind. He had spent his life in darkness, so day and night had been alike to him.

When Jesus and his disciples saw this man, the disciples asked Jesus, “Who did sin, this man, or his parents?” They took for granted that either this man himself, or else his parents, had been guilty of some gross sin against the law of God, and that the man’s blindness was a special punishment upon him.

Jesus’ reply to this question is enlightening. He explained that neither the blind man nor his parents had committed special sin. They were all members of the adamic family, and by inheritance the penalty of death rested upon them. Under the reign of sin and death no one is born perfect. There are not always visible defects such as blindness, deafness, or lameness, but nevertheless the seeds of death are inherent in all. In later life these “seeds” often result in blindness, or deafness. They always result in a loss of strength, although many are struck down by heart or other disease prior to reaching the age of feebleness. This waning of strength is noticeable at a very early age, causing athletes to retire from their chosen fields in what is ordinarily thought of as the prime of life.

Whether imperfections and death appear in youth or old age, all are dying—“As in Adam all die,” Paul wrote, “even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” We are thankful for the provision of redemption through Christ—a provision which will result eventually in all having an opportunity, through belief and obedience, to enjoy eternal life and perfection.—I Cor. 15:22

It is doubtful that there was any special healing power in the clay which Jesus spread on the eyes of the blind man; nor did the water in the pool of Siloam possess curative powers. Allowing Jesus to smear clay on his eyes and washing in the pool gave the man an opportunity to co-operate, and thus to demonstrate his faith. It was divine power operating through Jesus that gave the man the ability to see.

Speaking of mental vision, the Scriptures declare that Jesus is “the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” (John 1:9) But this enlightenment will depend on the co-operation of those who receive it. They will need to believe in Jesus and obey the laws of his kingdom. During the present Gospel Age, Jesus’ faithful followers are enlightened, and here also their faith and obedience are necessary.

JOHN 9:35-41

Following the miracle, this blind beggar was brought before the Pharisees, and he told them about the marvelous gift of sight which Jesus had bestowed upon him. The Pharisees condemned Jesus, because, they claimed, in performing the miracle on the sabbath day he had broken the Law of Moses and therefore could not be a servant of God. But the man who had received his sight stood his ground, affirming his faith in Jesus as one sent of God.—John 9:13-34

Seeing that they could not change the man’s mind, the Pharisees excommunicated him from the synagogue. Then Jesus asked the man, “Dost thou believe on the Son of God?” The man asked, “Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?” Jesus identified himself as the Son of God, and the man said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped Jesus.

In the conclusion of this narrative Jesus calls attention especially to mental, or spiritual, blindness. Phillips’ translation reads, “My coming into the world is itself a judgment—those who cannot see [physical blindness] have their eyes opened, and those who think they can see [mental vision] become blind.”—vs. 39

Some of the Pharisees were near enough to Jesus at the time to hear what he said, and they observed, “So we’re blind, too, are we?” Continuing with Phillips’ translation, we read: “If you were blind,” returned Jesus, “nobody could blame you, but as you insist, ‘We can see,’ your guilt remains.” The hatred of the Pharisees against Jesus had blinded them to the true Light.

QUESTIONS

Why is Jesus referred to as “the light of life”?

Why is it that no one is born perfect?

When will Jesus enlighten the whole world of mankind?

Is there a mental blindness as well as physical blindness?

In what sense were the Pharisees of Jesus’ day blind?

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