Scripture
Jesus, the Light of the World
12Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
13The Pharisees replied, “You are making those claims about yourself! Such testimony is not valid.”
14Jesus told them, “These claims are valid even though I make them about myself. For I know where I came from and where I am going, but you don’t know this about me. 15You judge me by human standards, but I do not judge anyone. 16And if I did, my judgment would be correct in every respect because I am not alone. The Father[1] who sent me is with me. 17Your own law says that if two people agree about something, their witness is accepted as fact.[2] 18I am one witness, and my Father who sent me is the other.”
19“Where is your father?” they asked.
Jesus answered, “Since you don’t know who I am, you don’t know who my Father is. If you knew me, you would also know my Father.” 20Jesus made these statements while he was teaching in the section of the Temple known as the Treasury. But he was not arrested, because his time[3] had not yet come.
Translation notes (3)
- 8:16 Some manuscripts read The One.
- 8:17 See Deut 19:15.
- 8:20 Greek his hour.
By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o'clock.
The bedrooms in my apartment have no overhead lights, but they do have light switches. To this day, even after living there for months now, I find myself walking into my bedroom and flipping the light switch in my room, only to remember that there are no overhead lights in my bedroom. It has, however, never been a problem for me because I have lamps in my room. With my lamps, there is plenty of light in my room. After all, it only takes a little bit of light to break the darkness. We learn in Scripture that Jesus is the ultimate light who expels the darkness and brings light to everyone.
In John 8, Jesus makes the statement, "I am the light of the world" (verse 12). His light, He explains, leads to life. This was exemplified when a star appeared after Jesus was born, signifying His arrival on earth. Knowing these things, how fitting, then, that right before Jesus died, at twelve noon, the sky grew black as midnight. Shortly after the sky became dark, Jesus, the light of the world, died. The darkness in the sky did not last long, however. Three hours later, the sun's light returned. The darkness due to the death of the Light of the World would not last long either. Three days after He died, the light of the world, Jesus, would also return, having risen from the dead.
Because of Jesus, the light of the world, we have hope. As a result of Jesus' death and resurrection, we, too, have light and life. We no longer have to live in darkness. This is the great hope that we have in Christ. We are not left to wander in the darkness. We have His light. Now that we have His light, our mission, should we choose to accept it, is to bring that light to a dark world. Have you taken up that mission? We certainly hope so! If not, what are you waiting for?
Moving Toward Action
There are so many lost people in our world who are living in darkness, looking for light. The good news is, you have the ability to bring the light to them by telling them about Jesus, the light of the world. Reach out to one of your lost friends or family members and find a time to meet with them over coffee or a meal. When you meet with them, share the Bridge Diagram, explaining that Jesus intentionally came to earth to bring light and life to anyone who believes in Him.
Going Deeper
Read John 8:12-20 (NLT)
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