I am the Light of the World

Series:  Jesus—In His Own Words

I am the Light of the World

John 8:12

seven “I AM” statements in John

·      reveal that Jesus is fully aware He is GOD. 

·      reveal Jesus’ nature, purpose, and significance to our lives.

the context

Jesus is at Jerusalem during the Festival of the Tabernacles.  During this ceremony the people of Israel would live in tents to remind themselves of God providing for them during the journey through the wilderness.   There were 2 major parts of the ceremony:  the libation ceremony and the illumination of the temple. 

 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

Observations

Jesus acknowledges the reality of darkness.

·      Darkness can refer to negative emotional experiences. 

“I Feel dark”

·      Darkness can refer to ignorance or foolishness.             

“In the dark”   

·      Darkness also refers to evil.                                    

“There is a darkness here”

·      Darkness is used to describe bondage                 

“trapped in darkness”

Jesus promises Light in the darkness.   

The light comes to those who follow Jesus. 

1.    You follow people you trust.  

2.    When you follow, your leader becomes your authority.

If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:9

Jesus has called us to share the light. 

Today’s Takeaways: