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Jesus: “I Am The Light of the World” (John 8:12) Continuing the series on Jesus’ 7 “I AM” statements in the book of John |
Jesus: “I Am The Light of the World” (John 8:12)
This is spoken during the time of the Feast of Booths in which they remembered how God had led them through the wilderness (Lev. 23:43). Now, much like the cloud of guidance (cf. Ex. 13:21-22; Num. 9:15-23), Jesus had come to direct people in a world of darkness.
1. He is the Necessary Light – By implication the world was in darkness but Jesus was now come as a light (John 1:5; 12:46); this would be the task of those who took the gospel to a lost world – show the light (Matt. 5:16; Acts 26:18; Phil. 2:15-16).
2. He is the Universal Light – that is He came as a light for all people (Luke 2:32; Gal. 3:28; Mark 6:15).
3. He is the Exclusive Light – not A light to the world, but THE light. He alone could shine as this light in the world, no other source could guide them in the right ways of the Father (cf. John 14:9; Acts 4:12).
4. He is the Comforting Light – light affords security and comfort as does Jesus; He brought the good news of salvation to the world (Matt. 4:15-17; 16:18; 11:28).
How sad that then and now this light is available but many will turn from it (John 3:19) but those who will turn to it
