The Light Dwelt Among Us

(ESV)

9 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. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’ ”)

Tom Constable’s Expository Notes on the Bible C. The appearance of the Light 1:9–13

the true Light comes into the world and enlightens everyone

(ESV)

Walking in the Light

5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 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 his Son cleanses us from all sin.

Tom Constable’s Expository Notes on the Bible C. The appearance of the Light 1:9–13

His light clarifies the sinfulness and spiritual need of human beings. Those who respond to this convicting revelation positively experience salvation. Those who reject it and turn from the light will end up in outer darkness. They will experience eternal damnation.

Jesus Called himself the light of theWorld

(ESV)

I Am the Light of the World

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.”

Tom Constable’s Expository Notes on the Bible Jesus’ testimony about Himself 8:12–20

The light of life figure stands for what dispels the darkness of ignorance and death. Jesus was claiming that whoever believes in Him will enjoy the light that comes from God’s presence and produces life.

The Israelites identified light God.

Fourth Day of Creation God created light - let the be light and there was light.

He reveled his presence to Moses through the light of the burning bush

He led the nation of Israel by a cloudy pillar of fire.

He appeared to them on Mt Sinai with fire and light.

(ESV)

(ESV)

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;

whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life;

of whom shall I be afraid?

Tom Constable’s Expository Notes on the Bible Jesus’ testimony about Himself 8:12–20

Symbolically the light represented various characteristics of God, particularly His revelation, holiness, and salvation

(ESV)

6 he says:

“It is too light a thing that you should be my servant

to raise up the tribes of Jacob

and to bring back the preserved of Israel;

I will make you as a light for the nations,

that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

Tom Constable’s Expository Notes on the Bible Jesus’ testimony about Himself 8:12–20

Jesus was claiming that whoever believes in Him will enjoy the light that comes from God’s presence and produces life.