I Am the Light of the World

Lesson #137

In the next section, defined by John 8:12 – 20, Jesus declares that he is the light of the world and the source of life, but the Pharisees accused him of false testimony. Jesus then defends himself and claims that they don’t really know God.

“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.”” (John 8:12 ESV). In the book of John, Jesus uses the phrase “I AM” in seven declarations about himself. Each I AM is linked to a metaphor which describes an aspect of his saving relationship toward the world.  These are listed in the following table of links:

Article Link	Reference Link	Blog Link
I AM The Bread of Life	John 6:35	Bread
I AM The Light of the World	John 8:12	Light
I AM The Door	John 10:7 – 9	Door
I AM The Good Shepherd	John 10:11, 14 – 15	Good Shepherd
I AM The Resurrection and the Life	John 11:25 – 27	Resurrection and the Life
I AM The way, and the truth, and the life	John 14:6	Way    Truth     Life
I AM The True Vine	John 15:1	True Vine

What does it mean that Jesus is the light of the world? “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 ESV). Jesus was sent into the world and he said, “I am the light of the world”. Because of sin the world lies in spiritual darkness and needs the light Jesus has to offer. In contrast to spiritual darkness Jesus is the light that brings true knowledge, moral purity, and the light that shows the presence of God. That light comes from the life he and only he has to offer. This is one powerful claim; the life Jesus gives to those who come to him produces light that removes their blindness. Surely such a claim will not go unchallenged by the Pharisees.

Two Scriptures that illustrates the importance of this light are Ephesians 5:8 – 14 and 1 John 1:5 – 7. Evil and death is associated with darkness but good fruit is found in the light. If we are to have fellowship with God we must walk in the light because he is light and in him there is no darkness at all. Jesus provides us with access to this light.

Prayer

Father, thank you that in Jesus Christ my spiritual darkness has been removed by the light that comes from the life he gives. Lord, thank you nourishing me, as the Bread of Life, for removing the darkness from my soul, as the Light of the World. Father, how awesome is the Lord and how loved I feel being with him.