“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” – John 8:12
A few weeks ago, I started this devotional series on who Jesus is by looking at the first of seven of what are referred to as Jesus’ I AM statements in the Gospel of John. In His first statement, Jesus reveals Himself to be the bread of life (John 6:48). You can read that devotion here. As we continue making our way through this series, it’s easily said that it’s also wonderful to know and meditate on the truth that Jesus is the fountain of life. We considered many Scriptures that give us such revelation last week. Today, I want to spend time on Christ’s second I AM statement that He is the light of the world.
Now, when you read the I AM statements Jesus makes, it’s important to understand that along with the specifics of what He speaks of in each, Jesus is first and foremost making a claim of deity. He is declaring Himself to be God, the great I AM. As is true of Jesus’ statement of His being the bread of life, this claim of His being the light of the world would sit deeply in the hearts and minds of many in His direct audience as the Spirit made the connection between His words and God’s revealing His name to Moses in Exodus 3:14. What did God say there? “And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ” In like fashion, by God’s grace, these statements need to make the same connection in your heart and mind, giving you more confidence and adoration as you know who your God and Savior is.
Indeed, Christ is the light of the world. What does this mean? There are many facets to be blessed in knowing and studying. Here are a few to consider in the Gospel of John:
- Let’s begin by seeing John’s laying out the theme of Jesus being the Light, since the beginning of his gospel. Notice what John says about Jesus and John the Baptist in John 1:4-9 “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the light, that all through him might believe. He was not that light, but was sent to bear witness of that light. That was the true light which gives light to every man coming into the world.”
- In John 3, after proclaiming the Gospel in verses 16-17, John reveals more about the work of Christ as the light that exposes dead hearts and sin that lurks in the darkness in verses 19-21. He writes, “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”
- See the importance of Christ’s statement in John 8:12 coming after His teaching during the Feast of Tabernacles, or otherwise known as the Feast of Booths in John 7. What significant practice was true at that Feast? Except for the last day, the great candelabras in the temple were lit. The people rejoiced under their light. This light pointed to and celebrated the presence and provision of God’s guidance and giving His people light in the wilderness. (Exodus 13:21) Jesus’ proclamation of being the light of the world really announced His fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles. For Christ is the light in whom all of His people rejoice under.
- Then meditate on Jesus’ words in verse 12 in which He explains another facet of what His being the light of the world means- “He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” Following Christ is doing so like one who follows the light on a dark night. Following Christ is doing so as one who doesn’t dwell in sin, but repenting of sin, seeks to be faithful in obedience. (1 John 1:7) As Jesus promises true followers the “light of life”, the knowledge and enjoyment of God will be to you the light of spiritual life in this world and of everlasting life and enjoyment of Him in the world to come (WSC 1), where there will be no death nor darkness, where there will be no night, and no need for lamp or sun, for the Lord God will give you light. (Revelation 22:5)
Looking further at the whole counsel of God:
- Light is a metaphor in Scripture for the salvation that the Lord provides to His people from all nations (Psalm 27:1, Luke 2:32).
- Light also symbolizes the guidance that the law of God offers (Psalm 119:105).
- Remember that Christ is the light in whom by His Spirit we see light and know the truth. (Psalm 36:7, 1 Corinthians 2:10)
- As the light of the world, Christ is the perfect, pure, and holy God (1 John 1:5) who came into the world. He is salvation. He is true guidance for His people and the source of blessing to the world.
- Jesus is the Light who makes us light bearers and sends us forth into the world to spread His light and expand His kingdom. Praise the Lord!
There is so much that can be studied about this I AM statement of Christ. I hope this devotion encourages and stokes your fire to study and praise your Savior more today and in the days ahead. He is the light of the world. Be faithful in following Him!