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. (13) The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself, thy record is not true. (14) Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go: but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. (15) Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. (16) And yet, if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me. (17) It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. (18) I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me. (19) Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also. (20) These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.
We enter here upon one of the most blessed discourses of Jesus. Who but the Lord Jesus ever called himself, or could call himself, the light of the world? Let the Reader gather into one view, some few only of those unequalled expressions of Christ, which he applied to himself; and then ask, whether any less than God could possibly assume such language ? I am the light of the world. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread he shall live forever. John 6:51. I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whomsoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. John 11:25-26. Reader! I charge you to pause over these words of Christ. What can we suppose, in Christ's assuming this language, if for the moment it could be thought that he was not God? And on the conclusion, which is the only conclusion on principles of common sense, that he is; what must be the awful situation of those men, who call themselves Christians, after Him, and yet indirectly charge him with blasphemy in denying his Godhead?