Why It Matters //

Living in today’s world anyone can tell you the world is full of darkness, evil, and brokenness. With rising suicide and depression rates, increased levels of inequality, poverty and corruption, and larger-scale protests and wars breaking out around the world, there is simply no question that this world is in darkness and in need of a change. Knowing Jesus as the “light of the world” means having assurance that there is something--someone--who can outshine and overpower the darkness of this world, that even when we are surrounded and even submerged in a world full of evil, we can still walk in light and in hope because of who Jesus is.

What It's Talking About // 

The Gospel of John, like Matthew, Mark and Luke, tells the story of Jesus, highlighting more of the personal encounters and conversations people had with Him. More importantly, John records Jesus’ seven “I Am” statements, describing who this Messiah, the Son of God, really is. In this second statement, Jesus calls himself the “light of the world”; that those who follow Him will never need walk in darkness. Here Jesus makes a stark contrast between himself as the light, a righteous judge, and the Messiah and the world which is full of darkness, lies, and ignorance of who Jesus is.

John 8:12-20 NIV

12 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.”

13 The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.”

14 Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. 

15 You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. 

16 But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. 

17 In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. 

18 I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.”

19 Then they asked him, “Where is your father?” “You do not know me or my Father,” Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” 

20 He spoke these words while teaching in the temple courts near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come.