I AM the Light of the World

This week, we think about all that Jesus has done for us. I can't imagine what he went through. He saw His disciples scatter. He was betrayed by a friend. He was illegally tried under the cloak of darkness. And Good Friday, we remember His death on a cross.

My good friend, Pam Palagyi brings us Jesus's next I AM statement this week. He says, I AM the LIGHT. I am so glad she is my guest today.

Image courtesy of freerangestock.com

 

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.” John 8:12 

While on vacation, my family toured of a famous local cavern. We wound our way down the slippery path into the belly of the cave. Our guide led the way scattering light from his flashlight onto our path. When we reached the bottommost section of the cave, we entered into a cavern. Our guide asked us to remain still. And he turned off his flashlight.  

Utter darkness. 

Indescribable eeriness. 

Overwhelming helplessness.  

 

Suddenly, our seasoned guide turned his flashlight back on. The craggy rock formation was bathed in shadowy light once more. We continued our journey in the midst of raised eyebrows and nervous sighs of relief. Just one miniscule flashlight had illuminated the entire cavern.  

Just like that cave, we live in a world of spiritual darkness. How do we find a source of light to illuminate our way? 

Jesus is the True Light 

The Apostle John wrote his gospel describing Jesus as the light. He was the One coming into the world as a light for all humanity. Even though spiritual darkness covered the world, it would not overcome the power of the light that had come, Jesus Christ: 

The life was the light of mankind. John 1:4 

The light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot subdue it. John 1:5

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. John 1:9

The second “I AM” statement of Jesus follows the Feast of Tabernacles in John Chapter 7. Every night of the previous festival week, several large Menorahs (candlesticks) lit the darkness of the Temple. Their brilliant light shone across all parts of Jerusalem. This part of the festival was called “the joy of the feast.”

In anticipation of the coming Messiah, the rabbis lit these Menorahs and other temple lamps after the final evening sacrifice. (TWEET this) The Jews believed God would kindle the “Great Light” and the nations of the world would point to them when the Messiah came. They assumed God was hiding the light under his throne. When the appropriate time came, it would shine forth once more.

At that very moment, as the large Menorahs burned brightly in the temple, Jesus stood in the midst of the blazing lamps. He pointed to himself as the light they were seeking, the fulfillment of their Messianic hopes:

 

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 

Jesus declared himself to be the “Light of the World,” the awaited Messiah! He made two promises to his first century followers and to us who would follow. 

First, we will never walk in darkness. He will displace all of our spiritual darkness with his holy and redeeming light. Our paths will be brightened by divine illumination. 

Second, his followers have the light of life. We will possess an inner awakened spirit and eternal life. We would be connected to his everlasting light. 

Jesus Sets Us Free 

One of the undeniable proofs that Jesus exists is his ability to liberate our lives from sin and death. By experiencing his light, the result is that we experience his truth. And when we know the truth, it has an inherent power to set us free:

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

Without His guidance, we stumble in our own spiritual darkness.  (Tweet this) Like a blackened cave, we will be disoriented, helpless, and lack direction. Jesus is the light that directs our righteous path. He illuminates us internally as well as externally. He is the light of the world…he is the light of my world!

 

How does Jesus light up your world?

Tweetables:
The Jews believed God would kindle the “Great Light”

Without His guidance, we stumble in our own spiritual darkness


Be sure to read Jeanne's previous I AM posts on Jesus as the BREAD and LIVING WATER

 

          Pam

 

Pam Palagyi is an author, speaker, and pastor. Through teaching, training, and mentoring, Pam has travelled the world helping people “Arise” and find their place in the Kingdom of God.  For more information on Pam, visit her website www.pampalagyi.com or her blogs www.theleadershipladder.com and www.theaspiringwriter.com .

 

Another resource that expounds the I AM statements of Jesus:

 

 Flashlight image courtesy of Morguefile.com