I am the light of the world John 8:12 (NLT) Jesus, the Light of the World 12 Jesus 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.” (NIV) Dispute Over Jesus’ Testimony 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.” (KJV) 12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (MSG) You’re Missing God in All This 12 Jesus once again addressed them: “I am the world’s Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.” Christ is the Light of the world. God is light, and Christ is the image of the invisible God. One sun enlightens the whole world; so does one Christ, and there needs no more. What a dark dungeon would the world be without the sun! So would it be without Jesus, by whom light came into the world. Those who follow Christ shall not walk in darkness. They shall not be left without the truths which are necessary to keep them from destroying error, and the directions in the way of duty, necessary to keep them from condemning sin. Without light there is no life for the light gives life. In Genesis, it could have no creation without light and the first declaration of Elohim was “Light be” and then began the re-creation of the world. Likewise, we must accept the Light in our lives if we want darkness and all its works disappear from our life. Then As the Light of the world, the presence of Jesus will cast away darkness from us and we will no more walk in darkness. He that followeth me shall in nowise walk in darkness - In ignorance, wickedness, misery: but shall have the light of life - He that closely, humbly, steadily follows me, shall have the Divine light continually shining upon him, diffusing over his soul knowledge, holiness, joy, till he is guided by it to life everlasting. Jesus is the One who removes the darkness, and lights the path ahead. He is the Light that cannot be extinguished. The term, Light of the world, was used generously in Jewish literature. It was used for the Feast of Tabernacles, (where the torches lit up the city); and that is where Jesus is teaching. Jesus was in the area of the temple where candles were burned to symbolize the pillar of fire that led the people of Israel through the desert, (Exodus 13:21). The pillar of fire represented Gods presence, protection and guidance. It was in this setting and context that Jesus referred to Himself as, the Light of the World. Jesus, the light of the world, is our commander. As a soldier follows his captain, and a slave his master, so are we are to follow His commands in Scripture. In Johns Gospel Jesus says about Himself: • (8:12) I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. • (12:46) I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. • (9:5) While I am in the world, I am the light of the world. • (12:36) Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light. And in Matthew (4:16) the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. Jesus openly proclaims that He is the light--eternal, enduring light. So He offers hope to mankind who is in darkness. The Bible tells us: In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. (John 1:4). Why is it that everyone has not chosen to come to the light? The Bible tells us at least two reasons: 1. (2 Cor. 4:4) The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. Therefore, we see that the enemy--Satan himself, blinds the understanding of unbelievers by lying to them, deceiving them, blinding them to the truth. 2. Other people make an open, outright decision to continue on the wide road to destruction. John (3:19) says this: This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil...(12:35) The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Well, how are things different for those who trust Jesus by faith--who walk in the light? The Bible declares: 1. (I Ths. 5:5) As sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 2. Acts (13:47) tells us: I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth. Christians actually become the lamp which shines the love and gospel to a world in darkness. Suddenly we have meaning and purpose for life. 3. (Eph 5:8) Since we were once darkness, but now are light in the Lord, we are to live as children of light. 4. Furthermore, we are to praise Him and to thank Him who makes this possible. It is written: (I Peter 2:9) you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light... (Col. 1:12) giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 5. And friend, when we pass from this earth and are present with the Lord we will come to a time when, as Revelation says: (Rev. 22:5) There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. The Light does make a difference. Have you chosen to walk with Christ in the light, to live with Him eternally, to reign with Him? Or have you chosen to follow your own self-determined course, to walk in darkness--not knowing that you will end up in eternal destruction and death? Its not too late! Place your faith in Jesus today. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES Proverbs 6:23; Psalm 119:105; Isaiah 9:2; 49:6-7; 49:6; 60:1-3; Genesis 1:3; 1Thess 5:5; Ephesians 5:8; John 12:35-36,46; 9:5; 1:4-9. 3:19; Hosea 6:3; Malachi 4:2; Matthew 4:14-16; Luke 1:78-79; 2:32; Acts 13:47; 26:23; 1John 1:5-7; 2:8-10; Revelation 21:23; 22:5;
Posted on: Wed, 17 Dec 2014 11:52:24 +0000
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