The Light of the World

Introduction

Attention Getter

Imagine for a moment this morning that it is 2:30 AM, and the electricity at your house has just gone out. Immediately, you are awake, realizing you are in a completely darkened room with no light. You get out of bed and find yourself groping around, trying to remember the nightstand and any other furniture in the room between you and the door. You are unable to see where you are going. You are just hoping that nothing is left lying on the floor. Slowly, as you feel your way around, you make your way to the bedroom door, a cabinet, or anything that you know contains your flashlight. Finally, you manage to grab your flashlight. As soon as you turn it on, everything is better. Yes, you still do not have electricity, but the assurance of seeing in the dark helps alleviate your fears when you are groping around in the darkness.

Isn’t it amazing how wonderful light is? Not that long ago, when we lost electricity during the ice storm, I could not tell you how wonderful it was to have the sun come up the following day. There is just something remarkable about light and how it drives out the darkness. I am sure most of you can relate to this feeling.

Raise the Need

I shared that scenario with you for a reason. Just as one might fumble in a darkened room, countless individuals today feel equally lost and disoriented in their personal lives. People search for meaning and purpose by looking for relationships, careers, material goods, and numerous other avenues. Yet, none of these provide the clarity or direction they crave. Instead, they encounter a world that grows more complex and morally ambiguous by the day. They yearn for the proverbial moral flashlight that offers truth and guidance and banishes the shadows of confusion.

Every person has an innate, profound need for light in their life, which leads us directly to Christ and His declaration as ‘The Light of the World.’

Orient the Theme

This morning, we are going to explore the theme of “Finding Meaning and Purpose in a World Shrouded in Darkness.” In today’s message, we are going to see how Jesus, who stated He was the Light of the Word, offers the only solution to the darkness we experience - both within and in the world around us.

Embracing His light illuminates our path and gives us the purpose and direction everyone desperately seeks.

Whether you are skeptical or a believer, this message is an invitation to you. It is an invitation to deepen your understanding of Christ as “The Light of the World.”

State the Purpose

Thus, today’s message encourages all of us, whether skeptics or steadfast believers, to embrace Jesus Christ as “The Light of the World.” My aim is to inspire you to recognize Christ as the Light of the World and actively live out the truth, hope, and guidance that only He can provide.

Transition

Let’s begin by acknowledging the darkness we all face. Every day, we encounter moments of internal and external darkness. So, let’s first look at...

The Darkness We Face

...understanding the shadows of life that envelop us and why the light of Jesus is so desperately needed.

Please turn with me in your Bibles to John 8:12-20. Christ makes a profound statement about light and darkness that speaks directly to today's struggles.

John 8:12–20 KJV 1900

12 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.

Note verse 12 again.

John 8:12 KJV 1900

12 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.

It is important for us to address the darkness that Christ addresses in this verse. Earlier in our study of John 3, we noted the following verse.

John 3:19 KJV 1900

19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

The darkness of this world is a direct result of man’s sin. I have repeatedly emphasized the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. Everyone born into this world is born a sinner already. We sin because it is now our nature to sin. Our sin is the condemnation we all live under. Thus, all of us are born not just in sin but also in darkness. Unfortunately, we embrace the darkness because we enjoy the fruits of sin. Yet, darkness is not fun. Along with the darkness come both internal and external struggles.

If you spend time speaking with people seeking to understand these struggles, it is not long before you hear them describe their darkness with vivid and metaphorical language. Internally, people are struggling emotionally and mentally. They talk about “being lost,” “drowning in despair,” or “trapped in a fog.” People who battle depression often see their lives as “living in a constant darkness.” Others who battle anxiety will speak about the “shadow that follows them everywhere.” Additionally, many people feel as is they are adrift without direction. There is a sense of “emptiness,” “void,” and “darkness” as they grapple with life’s purpose or their own identity. Internally, some are wrestling with their own shadow, indicating an internal struggle with morality, guilt, and temptation. They often feel they are fighting against their darker self.

If that wasn’t enough of a struggle, the added darkness comes from society itself. How often do we hear people speak about “living in dark times.” Some even describe themselves as lost in the noise of moral chaos and ambiguity and dumped on all that is the prospect of a political and economic gloom, sparking concerns that we live in a world where systematic issues seem insurmountable. Technology and social media are constant barrages of information that only enhance the darkness, causing people to feel more disconnected and confused than ever before.

I imagine that all of us can relate to this vivid description of the darkness we face both internally and outwardly. The feeling of isolation, the powerlessness to make positive change, and the constant search for personal growth can be overwhelming. For some people, these feelings are so overwhelming that they feel there is no way out. They feel trapped. They are unable to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

If you recall, this entire chapter, John 8, started with a woman who, I believe, understood the reality of darkness. Consider her situation for a moment. She undoubtedly was a woman who thought relationships would bring light to her darkness. We know that she was caught in the act of adultery. What does that tell us? She was married, yet she did not find happiness or joy in her marriage. Instead, she became involved with another man. In doing so, she compounded her darkness. Instead of finding light and freedom, she found herself in more darkness, fearing being found out or caught in this sordid affair. Eventually, her worst fear became reality. I can only imagine the thoughts that tortured her as these religious leaders roughly dragged in front of Christ. At that moment, the darkness was utterly overwhelming her. She was faced with the guilt of her immoral deeds and the shame of what she had done. Now, she was gripped with fear of her impending and horrific death, thinking that these men were about to stone her. Can you feel her darkness? Can you see how she felt trapped, alone, and hopeless?

I wonder how many are here this morning who completely understand her predicament. You are also struggling with your own darkness. Perhaps you feel overwhelmed, disoriented, hopeless, and even lost, just as she did. This, my friend, is where the message of the Gospel shines its brightest.

Amid the darkness, one man, the Son of God, Jesus, steps forward with a declaration that echoes through time and space.

John 8:12 KJV 1900

12 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.

This bold statement is more than just a claim of Divinity. It is an invitation to step out of the darkness and chaos it brings and into the light. I invite you this morning to see...

Jesus: The Light of the World

I want you to understand how His life, teachings, and ultimate sacrifice offer you a flicker of hope and a blazing beacon of truth, guidance, and salvation in the darkest moments of life.

Remember Christ’s opening claim in our text today! He said, “I am the light of the world.” This was not a metaphorical statement. It was a simple declaration that is the foundation of Christ’s identity.

Christ Himself is light. He is the only one who can dispel the spiritual darkness within each of us.

It is interesting how the Pharisees reacted to Christ’s claim as the light of the world. They immediately challenged him by stating...

John 8:13 KJV 1900

13 The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.

That is how the religious crowd often reacts to Christ. They meet Him with nothing more than skepticism and confusion. It is a reflection of their darkness. Just because someone claims to be religious does not mean they know and understand Christ. The only way to honestly know Him is to put your faith in Him first. Unfortunately, too many people seek to reason with Christ instead of believing Him. In doing so, they are blinded to Him by their sin and darkened understanding.

Christ, however, responded in the same manner He often did with those who challenged Him. He responded with assurance, not just of His own testimony but of the Fathers. In doing so, He firmly established His divine authority. His reaction underscores that as the Light of the world, He came not only to dispel the darkness of individual sin but also to expose the darkness of disbelief and misunderstanding.

Yet, there is more to Christ’s claim to be the Light of the World that we must not miss. Note how He added a promise.

John 8:12 KJV 1900

12 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.

As the Light of the world, Christ offers more than just dispelling the darkness of sin in a person’s life. He provides a life that continues to be guided by His light. In other words, He offers truth, moral clarity, and spiritual direction. In a world where darkness abounds in moral ambiguity, sin, and despair, Jesus is the beacon that shows us the way.

Consider once again the adulterous woman! We already established the darkness that overwhelmed her life. She is there in the midst of all these men. There is no hope left. She is waiting for the first person to pick up the first stone. Perhaps, in her mind, she is dead already. The only thing left is to endure the intense pain of the death she is about to experience. Then, as we know, Christ says to the men standing there, “He that is without sin, let him cast the first stone.” Slowly and to her amazement, one by one, each man left. To her surprise and bewilderment, the only person who remains is Jesus Christ. It is then that He speaks to her for the first time. “Woman, were are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?” She answers, “No man, Lord.” It is at this moment the Light of the World dispels her darkness. He says, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” I can only imagine that she felt the Light shining into her life driving out the darkness. Along with it came relief, hope, and transformation.

You see His light, for He is light, transcends the darkest life. The moment you allow Christ into your life is when all the doubt, sin, and confusion are driven from your life. He is the Light of the World. All who follow Him no longer walk in darkness but have the light of life. Embracing Him as the Light of the World becomes more than just stepping into the light. It is stepping into a new life transformed by His truth, guided by His love, and empowered by His Spirit.

Jesus declared Himself the Light of the World, offering us a way out of darkness. Here is the real issue: Knowing about the Light of the World is only the beginning. The real question is this: How will you respond to Him as the Light of the World?

You might be sitting here this morning as a skeptic, a curious person, or a committed follower of Christ. The invitation to respond to Jesus is for everyone. So, how can we personally engage with Him as the Light of the World? How can we move from merely acknowledging the Light to actively walking?

Responding to the Light

This morning's text, John 8:12-20, isn’t just about Jesus declaring Himself as the Light of the Word; it’s also about how we are called to respond to Him as Light. Look again, John 8:12

John 8:12 KJV 1900

12 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.

His statement, “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life,” is not a simple declaration; He’s extending an invitation. He is inviting those who would choose to believe Him to consciously leave their darkness behind and walk in His light.

As we know from the text, the Pharisees did not react well to His declaration.

John 8:13 KJV 1900

13 The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.

Their response was steeped in skepticism—a skepticism, unbelief, and resistance to Christ that was all too familiar. They consistently rejected His teachings and miracles at every opportunity. This skepticism towards Christ is nothing new. Yet, in response, Christ did not show anger or frustration. Instead, He calmly affirmed His divine identity, inviting them to see beyond their doubts.

It is no different today. Perhaps there are some of you sitting here also wrestling with your doubts about Christ. You struggle to believe and accept Christ for Who he claims to be. The great news is Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Even now, He is not asking you to understand or reason. He states once again that He is the Light of the World. He invites you to respond by simply opening your heart to Him.

Faith always comes before understanding. It is faith alone that pleases God.

Hebrews 11:6 KJV 1900

6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

This morning, Christ asks only one thing of you: Believe that He is God and trust that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him by faith. His promise is clear: those who cast aside their doubts and follow Him will no longer dwell in the darkness of their sin but will bask in His light—the light of life—forever.

For believers, the good news is that Christ has already banished our darkness. Our challenge now is to live genuinely in His Light. While it’s wonderful to know we are saved and no longer enslaved by sin’s darkness, our journey doesn’t end there. We are called to embody Christ’s teachings, to live out His truth each day, and to spread His light to others. How do we do this? Through daily surrender and obedience to Christ.

There’s much more in this passage we could explore, but time limits us today. One key aspect Christ highlighted is the dual testimony of Himself and the Father, which solidifies His claim to divinity. Why does this matter? Because recognizing and accepting Christ as God is foundational. It’s the first step described in Hebrews 11:6, where faith is the prerequisite to pleasing God. Once you acknowledge Christ as God, the road to faith, acceptance, and transformation lies just ahead. After believing, the next move is to pursue Him, to seek Him out.

So, here’s the invitation this morning: If doubt still lingers within you, I urge you to lay it down and simply believe. And for those of you who are believers, I encourage you to deepen your faith, showing it through a life lived in light. Remember, Christ doesn’t merely offer light; He invites you to leave the darkness of sin behind and step into a life illuminated by Him—the God of truth and love.

Conclusion

In closing, let us remember the profound transformation of the woman caught in adultery. Her life, once shrouded in the darkness of sin and despair, was met with the radiant light of Christ's mercy and grace. Just as she received a new beginning, free from condemnation, each one of us is offered the same opportunity today.

No matter the depth of darkness you might find yourself in—whether it's the internal struggle of doubt, guilt, or the external chaos of our world—Jesus stands ready as the Light of the World. He doesn't merely offer a temporary flicker of hope; He provides an everlasting light that guides our steps, illuminates our path, and transforms our lives.

So, I invite you this morning to step out of the darkness into His marvelous light. If you are skeptical, consider this an invitation to faith over reason; if you are a believer, let this be a call to live more authentically in His truth.

Embrace Christ not only as your Savior but as your daily guide and the source of all light in your life.

Let's commit today to follow Him, to leave behind the shadows of our past, and to walk in the light of life He so generously offers. As you leave here, may you carry this light with you, reflecting it in your actions, decisions, and interactions, so that others too might find their way out of darkness through your example of living faith.