The Light of the World

12 Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” 13 So the Pharisees said to him, “You are testifying about yourself. Your testimony is not valid.”

13 So the Pharisees said to him, “You are testifying about yourself. Your testimony is not valid.”

14 “Even if I testify about myself,” Jesus replied, “My testimony is true, because I know where I came from and where I’m going. But you don’t know where I come from or where I’m going. 15 You judge by human standards.,w I judge no one.

16 And if I do judge, my judgment is true, because it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. 17 Even in your law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. 18 I am the one who testifies about myself, and the Father who sent me testifies about me.”

19 Then they asked him, “Where is your Father?” “You know neither me nor my Father,” Jesus answered. “If you knew me, you would also know my Father.” 20 He spoke these words by the treasury, while teaching in the temple. But no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come.

“You know neither me nor my Father,” Jesus answered. “If you knew me, you would also know my Father.” 20 He spoke these words by the treasury, while teaching in the temple. But no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come.

Introduction:

This “I am” statement of Jesus in verse 12 follows his declaration in chapter 6 that he is the bread of life. This is the second of the seven “I am” statements that Jesus makes in the gospel of John. The words of Jesus here in verse 12 are a clear and precise statement of his claim to deity. He is saying “I am”, I and I alone, the Great I am, the God who is the true light of the world. What should not be missed is the clear reminders of the Old Testament wanderings of God’s people in the feeding of the multitude, the streams of living water and now the light God provides to lead out of darkness.The Pharisees, as we read in the passage, push back against Jesus’ statement. They failed to embrace Jesus as Lord and judged incorrectly. Many do the same today concerning Jesus.

This “I am” statement of Jesus follows his declaration in chapter 6 that he is the bread of life. This is the second of the seven “I am” statements that Jesus makes in the gospel of John. The words of Jesus here in verse 12 are a clear and precise statement of his claim to deity. He is saying “I am”, I and I alone, the Great I am, the God who is the true light of the world.

The Pharisees, as we read in the passage, push back against Jesus’ statement. They failed to embrace Jesus as Lord and judged incorrectly. Many do the same today concerning Jesus.

To appreciate the impact and truth of Jesus’ statement I think it would be helpful to consider first:

I. The Problem of Darkness

The metaphors of light and darkness can be discovered throughout the writings of John. Light was meant to refer to that which is positive, good and life giving, while darkness represented that which was evil and negative.

, “ This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in him.”

, “In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.”

When you are not able to see it is a terrible thing. Spiritually speaking, we see the devastation caused by spiritual blindness and darkness all around us and even within us. Just like the children of Israel in the Old Testament, people are wandering in the wilderness of their rebellion and sin.

The Lord Jesus had declared in that he alone was the one who could provide streams of living water. These verses in chapter 8 are a continuation from the events of chapter 7. During the feast of tabernacles golden lamps would be lit to remind the people of God leading them by a pillar of fire by night during their wanderings in the wilderness. What should not be missed is the clear reminders of the Old Testament wanderings of God’s people in the feeding of the multitude, the streams of living water and now the light God provides to lead out of darkness. Clearly, the purpose of Jesus’ words are to point out the fact that he is the one to be trusted for he is God and salvation comes only by him.

Walking around in the dark is no fun. In fact, it can be a very dangerous thing to do. When you are not able to see it is a terrible thing. Spiritually speaking, we see the devastation caused by spiritual blindness and darkness all around us and even within us. Just like the children of Israel in the Old Testament, people are wandering in the wilderness of their rebellion and sin.

The Darkness of Sin

What is sin? It is the idolizing of self above God. It is self-worship. It is making yourself the center of the universe and not God. It is essentially saying, “God, I know best. I am going to blaze my own trail and live my life my way.”

Example of Old Testament Jews - constantly rebelling against God, worshipping idols and living contrary to God’s law.

This is further illustrated in the passage by the response of the Pharisees to the statement of Jesus.

The Darkness of Sadness & Death

Due to sin, we suffer. We die. People we love get sick and die. Due to sin, we suffer from emotional distress and relationship problems with others.

The Darkness of Confusion

The darkness

There are others who are listening to Jesus who are simply confused. They are caught up in the right rituals but still missing the true light. It is possible to find yourself in this place. Performing the right rituals but missing the right person.

II. The Light of the World - Jesus

The Lord Jesus declared in that he alone was the one who could provide streams of living water. These verses in chapter 8 are a continuation from the events of chapter 7. During the Feast of Tabernacles, in addition to the water ritual, there was the ritual called the temple illumination. Each night during the festival, tall poles, (as tall as 60-70 feet)with ladders leading to the top where large lamps would be filled with gallons of olive oil would be lit. This was located in the court of women, also known as the treasury, where trumpets, chests shaped like trumpets were provided for the program of giving to the temple. This was a large and heavily traveled area during the festival. The lights would be so bright it would illuminate a good portion of the surrounding area. A perfect time and place for Jesus to make his proclamation in verse 12.

These torches that were lit were to represent the shekinah glory of God that led God’s people during their time of wandering in the wilderness. Clearly, the purpose of Jesus’ words are to point out the fact that he is God. He is the one to be trusted for he is God and salvation comes only by him. He is the way out of the darkness caused by sin and rebellion.

, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness.

The people walking in darkness

In a dark world, we need to be reminded that Jesus is the light of life in every possible way. That he alone is the answer. He is not one of many lights, he is the one and only true light.

have seen a great light;

Jesus Illuminates the Darkness

Jesus Illuminates the Darkness

a light has dawned

on those living in the land of darkness.Jesus Illuminates the Darkness

In , we read how the earth was without form and empty, and that darkness covered the surface of the watery depths…then God said “Let there be light,” and there was light. (v.3)

Again remember , “In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.”

Only God could turn the lights on in creation. Only the Lord can turn the lights on in a person’s heart. A person needs the power of God to see spiritually. He is the one who lights up the darkness. We must remember this in our evangelism - Jesus saves, he turns the lights on. We simply share the message. But when the lights come on, everything changes.

When light comes what happens:

Light Exposes

Exposure & Confession

Things that were hidden in the dark are now brought to light. Repentance and brokenness over our sin is a reality.

, “For there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed, and nothing concealed that will not be brought to light.”

, “For there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed, and nothing concealed that will not be brought to light.”

, “In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.”

, “7 If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness

The words of Jesus here in verse 12 are a clear and precise statement of his claim to deity. He is saying “I am” the God who is the true light of the world.

2. Guidance - , “The Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to lead them on their way during the day and in a pillar of fire to give them light at night, so that they could travel day or night. 22 The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night never left its place in front of the people.”

22 For there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed, and nothing concealed that will not be brought to light

2. Guidance - , “The Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to lead them on their way during the day and in a pillar of fire to give them light at night, so that they could travel day or night. 22 The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night never left its place in front of the people.”

Light Guides

, “The Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to lead them on their way during the day and in a pillar of fire to give them light at night, so that they could travel day or night. 22 The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night never left its place in front of the people.”

- , “The Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to lead them on their way during the day and in a pillar of fire to give them light at night, so that they could travel day or night. 22 The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night never left its place in front of the people.”

The Lord guides us by his word, the presence of the Holy Spirit and by his divine providence. The Lord will never guide you to do something that contradicts his revealed word. He always guides us into truth and sanctification. But without light, left to our own, we will surely lose our way.

In A Slow and Certain Light, Elisabeth Elliot tells of two adventurers who stopped by to see her, all loaded with equipment for the rain forest east of the Andes. They sought no advice, just a few phrases to converse with the Indians.

She writes: “Sometimes we come to God as the two adventurers came to me—confident and, we think, well-informed and well-equipped. But has it occurred to us that with all our accumulation of stuff, something is missing?”

3. Life - , “I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.”

She suggests that we often ask God for too little. “We know what we need—a yes or no answer, please, to a simple question. Or perhaps a road sign. Something quick and easy to point the way.

“What we really ought to have is the Guide himself. Maps, road signs, a few useful phrases are good things, but infinitely better is Someone who has been there before and knows the way.”

We walk in the dark often because we choose our own way, we want to engineer the circumstances to ensure we experience an earthly blessing of some kind. God often leads us where we are required to sacrifice, not be blessed in some way we might imagine. Obedience to God does not require him to bless us the way we think. Think about the cross of Christ.

, “Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. 7 Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, 8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross.”

5 Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus,

6 who, existing in the form of God,

did not consider equality with God

as something to be exploited.

7 Instead he emptied himself

by assuming the form of a servant,

taking on the likeness of humanity.

And when he had come as a man,

8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient

to the point of death—

even to death on a cross.

Light Gives and Sustains Life

, “I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.”

- , “I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.”

The Key: “Anyone who follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

The Key: “Anyone who follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

The word Christian is used only a few times in the New Testament. However, the word used for disciple can be found 261 times.

Disciple is a learner, a follower. “Someone who follows another person or another way of life and who submits himself to the discipline (teaching) of that leader or way.We need to obey the light God gives us. This is the light of life.” (Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible)

We need to obey the light God gives us. This is the light of life.

The result of this spiritual light and life in our lives as followers of Jesus is a kingdom impact on the world around us.

, “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

Conclusion:

Furthermore, when we know Jesus, the true light, we will one day experience the promise of and spend eternity in a place where there will be no more night-no more darkness.

Conclusion:

Conclusion:

, “ On the day the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the testimony, and it appeared like fire above the tabernacle from evening until morning. 16 It remained that way continuously: the cloud would cover it, appearing like fire at night. 17 Whenever the cloud was lifted up above the tent, the Israelites would set out; at the place where the cloud stopped, there the Israelites camped. 18 At the Lord’s command the Israelites set out, and at the Lord’s command they camped. As long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they camped. 19 Even when the cloud stayed over the tabernacle many days, the Israelites carried out the Lord’s requirement and did not set out. 20 Sometimes the cloud remained over the tabernacle for only a few days. They would camp at the Lord’s command and set out at the Lord’s command. 21 Sometimes the cloud remained only from evening until morning; when the cloud lifted in the morning, they set out. Or if it remained a day and a night, they moved out when the cloud lifted. 22 Whether it was two days, a month, or longer, the Israelites camped and did not set out as long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle. But when it was lifted, they set out. 23 They camped at the Lord’s command, and they set out at the Lord’s command.”

, “ On the day the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the testimony, and it appeared like fire above the tabernacle from evening until morning. 16 It remained that way continuously: the cloud would cover it, appearing like fire at night. 17 Whenever the cloud was lifted up above the tent, the Israelites would set out; at the place where the cloud stopped, there the Israelites camped. 18 At the Lord’s command the Israelites set out, and at the Lord’s command they camped. As long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they camped. 19 Even when the cloud stayed over the tabernacle many days, the Israelites carried out the Lord’s requirement and did not set out. 20 Sometimes the cloud remained over the tabernacle for only a few days. They would camp at the Lord’s command and set out at the Lord’s command. 21 Sometimes the cloud remained only from evening until morning; when the cloud lifted in the morning, they set out. Or if it remained a day and a night, they moved out when the cloud lifted. 22 Whether it was two days, a month, or longer, the Israelites camped and did not set out as long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle. But when it was lifted, they set out. 23 They camped at the Lord’s command, and they set out at the Lord’s command

15 On the day the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the testimony, and it appeared like fire above the tabernacle from evening until morning. 16 It remained that way continuously: the cloud would cover it, appearing like fire at night. 17 Whenever the cloud was lifted up above the tent, the Israelites would set out; at the place where the cloud stopped, there the Israelites camped. 18 At the Lord’s command the Israelites set out, and at the Lord’s command they camped. As long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they camped.

Sometimes we find ourselves struggling, seemingly in the dark as believers. The key is to follow Jesus - this involves a surrender of our will - submission. This is a truth we have to learn continually in our lives as followers of Jesus. We must look heavenward - to Jesus and lay everything at his feet - total surrender = light. “Whoever follows me (surrenders all to me) will not walk in darkness but have the light of life.” Also, too often we expend our energies focusing on the darkness and not enough time spreading light. We have the awesome opportunity as the church of Jesus Christ to walk out into this dark world and be a reflection of the true light - the only true light - the Lord Jesus Christ.

19 Even when the cloud stayed over the tabernacle many days, the Israelites carried out the Lord’s requirement and did not set out. 20 Sometimes the cloud remained over the tabernacle for only a few days. They would camp at the Lord’s command and set out at the Lord’s command. 21 Sometimes the cloud remained only from evening until morning; when the cloud lifted in the morning, they set out. Or if it remained a day and a night, they moved out when the cloud lifted. 22 Whether it was two days, a month, or longer, the Israelites camped and did not set out as long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle. But when it was lifted, they set out. 23 They camped at the Lord’s command, and they set out at the Lord’s command

21 The Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to lead them on their way during the day and in a pillar of fire to give them light at night, so that they could travel day or night. 22 The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night never left its place in front of the people.

Others are like the Pharisees in this passage. Religion has captivated them, and they miss the light of the world Jesus.

Until the light of the world illuminates your heart, until you surrender and follow him, nothing in this world will make sense.