2/6 - I am the light of the World

1. Jesus, the Light that Illuminates the Darkness of Sin

John 3:19-20 – “And this is the condemnation, that light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”

John 3:19–20 NIV

This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.

Analysis of the Word “Light” in the Original:

The Greek word used for “light” is “phōs,” which means brightness, truth, revelation, and holiness. In the biblical context, it represents the presence of God, revealing truth and exposing sin.

Illustration: Imagine a room full of dust. In the dark, it seems clean, but when the light enters, it reveals all the dirt.

This is how it is with sin: while we are in the darkness, we do not see it. But when Christ illuminates our lives, He exposes what needs to be changed.

Quote: Charles Spurgeon said, “The light of Christ not only exposes sin, but also leads us out of it.”

Practical Application:

Let Christ reveal what needs to be changed in our lives.

Let us not resist His light, for He desires to purify us.

2. Light Guides Those Who Are Lost

Psalm 119:105—“Your word is a lamp to my feet, a light to my path.”

Psalm 119:105 NIV

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Light has an essential function: to guide those who are on the path. Without light, we stumble and get lost.

The world lives in darkness, without direction, but Jesus shows us the path of life.

Illustration: Imagine driving at night, without headlights. The chance of getting lost or having an accident is enormous. This is what life is like without Christ: dangerous and without a clear direction.

Imagine a dark room filled with clutter and chaos. When you turn on the light, everything becomes clear, and you can navigate safely. Similarly, Jesus' light reveals the path to righteousness, guiding us away from the clutter and chaos of sin.

Quote: John Wesley said, “The Bible is God’s light for our path; without it, we know not where to go.”

Practical Application:

Seek guidance from God’s Word to make decisions.

Trust that Jesus guides us in times of uncertainty.

3. The Light Must Shine Through Us

Matthew 5:14-16 – “You are the light of the world; a city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”

Jesus not only enlightens us, but invites us to reflect that light. As disciples of Christ, we are to be a beacon to this world, living with holiness, love, and Christian witness.

Throughout the Bible, we see examples of individuals whose lives were changed by the light of God.

Moses and the Burning Bush

Scripture: Exodus 3:1-6

Context: During the time of Moses, the Israelites were in deep spiritual darkness. Did God reveal Himself as a light to Moses and his people? His covenantal presence symbolized a source of comforting illumination.

Moses, who encountered God's presence in the burning bush, became a beacon of light leading the Israelites out of darkness.

Paul on the Road to Damascus

Scripture: Acts 9:1-9

Context: Paul was a Pharisee of Pharisees, deeply devoted to Jewish law and traditions, and yet, his faith was turned into a Christian devotion upon the encounter with the Light of Christ.

Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, was blinded by the light of Jesus on the road to Damascus and became a powerful apostle.

These stories remind us that the light of Jesus can change even the darkest hearts.

Illustration: A mirror does not have its own light, but reflects the light it receives. This is how we should be: reflecting the light of Christ to the world.

Quote:

Billy Graham said, “We are the Bible the world reads; we are the sermon the world hears.”

Dietrich Bonhoeffer eloquently stated, "The light of the gospel does not shine where the gospel is not preached."

The power of Jesus' light is activated when we embrace it and share it with others, changing not only our lives but the lives of those around us.

Practical Application:

Live in such a way that others see Christ in us.

Be a light at work, in the family, and in society.

Practical Applications

Reflect: Spend time in prayer, asking God to reveal any areas of darkness in your life and to fill you with His light.

Share: Look for opportunities to share the light of Jesus with others, whether through words of encouragement, acts of kindness, or inviting someone to church.

Act: Choose one area of your life where you can bring more light, whether in your relationships, work, or community, and commit to making a positive change.

Conclusion:

Walking in the Light of Christ

1 John 1:7 – “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin.”

1 John 1:7 NIV

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

Jesus is the Light of the World. He:

Exposes sin and purifies us.

Guides our path.

Calls us to reflect that light.

Today, we are challenged to walk in the light of Christ. He wants to illuminate your life! Are you willing to come out of the darkness and live in the light of the Lord?

Call for Reflection and Prayer

If there is something in your life that needs to be illuminated by Christ, give it to Him today.

If there are areas where you feel lost, trust in the Lord’s guidance.

May we be a light to those around us!

May the Lord help us to walk in His light every day!

Sources and References:

Holy Bible – John 8:12 and related texts.

John 8:12 NIV

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Charles Spurgeon, Morning and Evening Devotionals.

John Wesley, Sermons and Reflections.

Billy Graham, Just As I Am.