The light of the world

Read John 8:12; 9:1-7

.

The coming of Jesus brings the true light for all mankind (Jn.1:4-5,9). But light exposes sin and darkness and is therefore often unwelcome. Here, in the second “I am” saying, Jesus declares that he brings “the light of life to all who will follow him”. He is the life who gives light (1:4) and the light who gives life (8:12; Ps.36:9).

.

“I am the light of the world” is repeated in John 9:5. This chapter tells the remarkable story of the healing of a blind man. The healing only takes two verses to describe but it’s a sign showing how Jesus brings light and salvation to those who are spiritually blind while at the same time others will not come to the light and are thus “condemned already” (9:39; 3:18-21).

.

So those with true and open hearts will come to Jesus and find light to live by. His invitation is, “Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light” (12:36). Those who believe are transferred from the dominion of darkness into the kingdom of light, able to walk in God’s light (Col.1:13-14). “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light... in all goodness, righteousness and truth” (Eph.5:8-9).