The Light of the World

Jesus, the Light of the World, Reveals God’s nature, exposes man’s condition, and illuminates the path of life.

Jesus Reveals God’s Nature (12-20)

The background of the passage.

It was the day following the feast of the tabernacles. (John 7:37-38)

This feast was characterized by four candelabras illuminating the temple court.

Christ, perhaps seeing the cleanup from the feast, utters His proclamation.

God’s nature is characterized by light.

1 John 1:5 ESV

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.

Psalm 104:2 ESV

covering yourself with light as with a garment, stretching out the heavens like a tent.

1 Timothy 6:16 ESV

who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

3. Jesus revealed the nature of God in both his judgment of sin and grace toward sinners (see the woman in adultery).

Jesus Exposes Man’s Heart (21-27)

Jesus warned the Pharisees that they would die in their sin unless they believed.

The light was with them for a time, but they rejected him. Their sin was unbelief.

John 3:18–21 ESV

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

Their singular sin of unbelief would make them face judgment for their multiple sins throughout life.

Jesus Illuminates the Path of Life (28-30)

Three times in the passage Jesus reveals that he is the “I AM” (verses 12, 24, and 28).

He was once again revealing his identity as the great I AM that led them through the wilderness. He was the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. He provided direction.

The path of life is revealed in the cross. Jesus completely obeyed the will of the Father and was “lifted up”. Two words describe how we respond to him in faith: believe and follow. The one who believes in Christ will follow Him.

Psalm 18:28 ESV

For it is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness.