Jesus - The Light of the World

The world around us is a world in darkness, in rejection of and rebellion against God. We can see evidence of this everyday in the violence, the self-centeredness, the refusal to see and believe the truth. No wonder that Paul refers to Satan as the ruler of this world. The good news is that this situation is temporary, and that God is working to restore the world to the way it was created to be. This is why He sent Jesus Christ.

John 8:12 NIV84

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.”

Jesus’ claim

Jesus spoke these words during the Feast of Tabernacles, a time when four large torches were lit in the courtyard of the Temple lighting up most of the city of Jerusalem. The light from these lamps represented the glory of God. He is claiming to be the fulfillment of the symbolism in this celebration.

I AM

A claim to be God, who daeclared His name, I AM who I AM, to Moses at the burning bush. Who was visibly present to the people of Israel in the pillar of fire that led them through the wilderness.

God is not only the creator of life, He Himself is light:

1 John 1:5 NIV84

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.

Jesus is identifying Himself as this light.

The light

There is no other source of light – not in human knowledge or wisdom, not in religion.

Many people think they have the light, they believe they see the truth, but apart from Jesus everyone is blinded and walking in darkness. There is no light apart from a relationship with Him. Those who are not in Christ actually prefer to live in darkness.

John 3:19 NIV84

This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.

Not only do people love the darkness, but Satan also works to prevent people from seeing the light.

2 Corinthians 4:4 NIV84

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

The Pharisees claimed to see, but in rejecting Jesus they proved their blindness.

Of the world

Did not come only to give light to the Jewish people, not just to one group, but for the entire world.

What light does

Dispels darkness

Light and darkness cannot coexist in the same pace at the same time. When light shines the darkness disappears.

Enables sight

Just as physical light is necessary for us to see the world around us, so the light of Christ is necessary for us to see the spiritual truths of God.

Reveals

It’s amazing what we can overlook until a bright light shines – cobwebs in the corner, a small stain on the carpet, etc. In the same way the light of Christ reveals areas in our lives that are in need of cleansing.

Guides

Lighthouses are still used to guide ships away from rocks and other dangers.

Comforts

There’s something about a light that helps us feel more comfortable. It gives warmth, it offers protection.

An artist once drew a picture of a winter twilight—the trees heavily laden with snow, and a dreary, dark house, lonely and desolate in the midst of the storm. It was a sad picture. Then, with a quick stroke of yellow crayon, he put a light in one window. The effect was magical. The entire scene was transformed into a vision of comfort and cheer. The birth of Christ was just such a light in the dark world.

What we are to do

Follow Jesus

Be a disciples

Live by His teaching and example – Also be the light of the world, reflecting His light

What we will receive

Never walk in darkness

When we follow Jesus we will be set free from sin, our lives will be pleasing to God.

John 12:46 NIV84

I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

Have the light of life

John 1:4 NIV84

In him was life, and that life was the light of men.

The light of Jesus leads to salvation.