I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

INTRODUCTION

The gospel of John records at least seven remarkable claims by Jesus...

“I am the bread of life”

John 6:48 ASV

48 I am the bread of life.

“I am the light of the world”

John 8:12 ASV

12 Again therefore Jesus spake unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.

“I am the door”

John 10:9 ASV

9 I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and go out, and shall find pasture.

“I am the good shepherd”

John 10:11 ASV

11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd layeth down his life for the sheep.

“I am the resurrection and the life”

John 11:25 ASV

25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth on me, though he die, yet shall he live;

“I am the way, the truth, and the life”

John 14:6 ASV

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.

“I am the vine”

John 15:5 ASV

5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit: for apart from me ye can do nothing.

In making such statements, Jesus reveals much...

About the world around us, and the lives we live

About Himself, and what He has to offer to us

In this study, we will focus our attention on His claim to be “The Light Of The World”...

As recorded in...

John 8:12 ASV

12 Again therefore Jesus spake unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Made by Jesus in the treasury of the temple (part of the Court of Women) - cf. Jn 8:20

In which there were “two colossal golden lamp stands, on which hung a multitude of lamps, lighted after the evening sacrifice (probably every evening during the feast of tabernacles), diffusing their brilliancy, it is said, over all the city” - Jameison, Fausset, and Brown

As we examine the words of Jesus, we notice what is implied about the world in which we live...]

DISCUSSION

THERE IS DARKNESS IN THE WORLD

THE SYMBOLISM OF DARKNESS...

Used metaphorically to symbolize distress, mourning, perplexity, ignorance and death - Isa 9:1-2; Job 5:14; 12:24-25; 10:21; 17:13

Used figuratively of moral depravity - cf. Jn 3:19; Ro 13:12-13; Ep 5:11

THE REALITY OF DARKNESS...

Seen in the news (terrorism, war, oppression, sexual abuse, greed)

Viewed in the media (pornography, filthy language)

Experienced in life (adultery, physical and verbal abuse, false religions)

As described by the apostle Paul, many walk in darkness... - cf. Ep 4:17-19

In the futility of their minds

Darkened in their understanding

Alienated from the life of God

Ignorant because of the blindness of their heart

Past feeling, given over to lewdness

Working all uncleanness with greediness

While there may be varying degrees of darkness in which people find themselves, if they live in the world they must contend with darkness. To those in darkness, Jesus offers hope...

JESUS IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

HE IS THE LIGHT...

A claim made elsewhere in the gospel

In the prologue - Jn 1:4-9

By Jesus on other occasions - Jn 9:5; 12:35,46

He is the light, not a light

Indicating that He alone provides the true light

Even as He alone provides the true and living way - cf. Jn 14:6

As the light, Jesus is the source of life - Jn 8:12c

The abundant life (with peace, joy, love) - Jn 10:10; cf. Jn 14:27; 15:10,11

The eternal life (including the resurrection) - Jn 11:25; 17:2

We must be wary of those who proclaim to offer “light”

Some may be servants of Satan - cf. 2 Co 11:13-15

At best, one can only reflect what light Jesus has already bestowed

OF THE WORLD...

Not for the Jews only, but for Gentiles (the nations) as well

As foretold by the prophets - cf. Isa 49:6; 60:1-3

As commanded of His apostles - cf. Ac 26:15-18

Available to all who believe, not an elect few

To everyone who believes in Jesus - Jn 12:46

To those who follow Jesus - Jn 8:12b

How wonderful to know that in a world of darkness, we can have the light of life through Jesus Christ, the light of the world! Yet we should reiterate that He is truly the light...

FOR THOSE WHO FOLLOW HIM

BY BECOMING HIS DISCIPLE...

Note the connection between following Jesus and being a disciple

The word “disciple” means a follower, a learner

Only those who follow Him will have the light of life

Therefore only those who become His disciples will walk in His light

How one becomes a disciple (or follower) of Jesus

It begins with faith - Jn 12:46

It includes baptism - cf. Mt 28:19-20; Mk 16:16

BY ABIDING IN HIS WORD...

Only by abiding in His Word...

Are we truly His disciples (followers) - Jn 8:31

Do we truly have Christ - cf. 2 Jn 9

As we abide in His words, we not only walk in light, we become light!

Reflecting the light of Christ - cf. Ph 2:15-16

Proving what is acceptable, exposing that which is not - cf. Ep 5:8-14

The light of the world, bringing glory to our Father in heaven - cf. Mt 5:14-16

CONCLUSION

Are you confused, stumbling in a morass of darkness, making a mess of your life...?

Come to Jesus, the light of the world

Follow Him, who will give you the light of life

You can become a light to others walking in darkness...

As you reflect the light of Christ in your own life

As you abide in His teachings, and follow His doctrine

In a world of darkness, let us walk in the light of Him who leads us to both the abundant life and eternal life...!