I Am the Light of the World

My favorite season is summer.

No school

Grilling season

Fresh produce (tomatoes, sweet corn, green beans)

Extended daylight (15 hrs approx.)

In John 8:12 Jesus makes this amazing declaration about himself, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.””

In order to appreciate what Jesus is saying here, allow me to show you the context.

In chapter 7 we see Jesus at the Feast of Booths or Feast of Tabernacles.

This feast would celebrate God’s provision and protection for the people of Israel during their 40 years in the dessert.

The way you would celebrate is by living in a tent for seven days just like they did back in the wilderness. This year the Feast of Tabernacle runs from the evening of Sunday October 9- evening of Sunday October 16).

They would celebrate God’s provision of water and light in the dessert.

Water ceremony: The priests would down to the pool of Siloam and bring up a container of water that was later pour out in the temple as they remembered how God provided living water for them in the dessert.

Listen to what Jesus said in John 7:37-38, “On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ ””

Jesus satisfies what our hearts long for. He is living water.

The Feast of Tabernacles not only celebrated God’ provision of water in the dessert, but it also celebrated God’s provision of light in the dessert.

The light ceremony was amazing.

John “I Am the Light of the World!” (8:12–20)

Four large stands each held four golden bowls; these were placed in the heavily-used Court of the Women. These sixteen golden bowls (reached by ladders) were filled with oil and used the worn undergarments of the priests for wicks (m. Sukkah 5). When they were lit at night (so the rabbis said), all Jerusalem was illumined.

This was amazing to see specially since they didn’t have electricity back then.

Now, picture Jesus. According to John 8:20, he is standing in the treasury located within the court of the women.

Jesus is in the very place where the lighting ceremony takes places and declares, I’m the light, not only the light of Jerusalem, “I am the Light of the World!”

How Jesus is the light of the world

Jesus is the light who gives life

3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (Jn 1:3–5)

Jesus is the light who heals our spiritual blindness

John 1:9-10, The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.”

We have a condition called spiritual blindness. We are unable to see the need for a Saviour.

It’s fascinating that after announcing in John chapter 8 that he is the Light of the World, in John chapter 9 Jesus he gives light to a blind man by healing him.

Jesus is the only one who can heal our spiritual blindness.

2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

Jesus is the light who sets people free

John 3:19-21 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.””

Jesus’ mission is to set people free. He is the light.

Luke 4:18, ““The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed,”

Jesus is the light who offers hope

John 8:12 12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.””

Isaiah 9:2 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.”

Jesus the light offers clarity in a world filled with confusion

John 12:9-10 9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”” (Jn 11:9–10)

Conclusion:

Do you know the light?

I’m not asking if you know about the light. Have you experienced the light of God in your life.

If you have, Jesus has the following to say about you and me tonight.

Matthew 5:14-16, ““You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”