I Am the Light of the World

The words “I am”, showed the intended audience the connection with Old Testament when God spoke to Moses “I am who I am”.  In the Gospel reading for the Service today, we hear the words of Jesus, “I am the light of the world” …” Whoever follows me will have the light of life and life and will never live in darkness” (John 8:12).

Jesus’ answers these questions, which are possibly the three most important questions in life, in John 8:12. The answers will be discussed today, as well as the significance of Jesus’ Claim. Jesus was making the bold claim to be nothing less than God, who had led the Israelites through the desert. The longed for the Messiah had now arrived.

Jesus used comparisons with physical light to engender understanding of spiritual truths; who Jesus was and his nature and work. Light in our physical world sustains life, and life would be impossible without light.

Since God loved the world, Jesus, the light, was sent into the world so that believers can be saved without judgment. Jesus is the light of the world. Jesus declared the truth, although many people reject that light, for they love the darkness, as John 3:19 states.  As He spoke these things, many came to believe in Him. For those who do believe, Jesus is a light for us to follow, with Him lighting our path so that we can go His way.

This Gospel reading uses the symbolism of light for believing and living through the love of Christ, which is inspirational for believers. He describes the life of a Christian as opposed to unbelief, where the symbolism is of living with darkness, sin and evil.  We are told that people who believe in Jesus Christ and live through an intimate relationship with Christ are reassured of salvation, since God is always with those who have faith.   Today we are going to receive Holy Communion, which must be received through faith for the true spiritual presence of Christ to be experienced.

What about you? What do you believe about Jesus? He is the light of the world and He gives the light of life if you have faith and follow Him. It does not do you any good to claim to believe in Jesus if you refuse to follow Him and walk in His light. Therefore, live by what you read in the Bible, spend time in prayer and become sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ light will shine through you to others.  Are you walking in the light? What needs to change?

Yours in Christ,

Debra