November 4, 2017

Light of the World

“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.”  John 8:12

This section of chapter 8 of John’s gospel is referred to by some as the “Paternity Suit.”  Other refers to it as the passage where Jesus turns the tables by putting his opponents on trial; despite the fact His enemies are constantly accusing Him.  Contained in this passage is one of the seven “I Am” sayings of Jesus – a declaration of who He is and what He represents, to Israel and to the entire world.

It is here that Jesus announces to the people that He is the light of the world.  He is of course, immediately challenged by the Pharisees.  The Lord’s statement has significance, especially for His Jewish audience.  They would recognize light as a gift given by God their Creator; where there was light, there was life.  The Pharisees would no doubt also be brought back to the prophetic words of Isaiah:

“”I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand.  I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that re blind, to free captives from prison and the release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.”  Isa. 42:6-7

“He says: ‘Is it too small a thing for you to be My servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept.  I will make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.”  Isa. 49:6

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.  See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and His glory appears over you.  Nations will come to your light. And kings to the brightness of your dawn.”  Isa. 60:1-3

These verses were written for Israel and describing the gift of God’s light and life given to His chosen people Israel.  God would bring salvation through Israel to the Gentiles and the entire world.  This was God’s plan.  The problem is that Israel had not cooperated with that plan; in fact, often His people rebelled against it.  So the Jewish religious leaders who were waiting for the Messiah to come were also waiting for this light.

Jesus jumps into the prophetic words and declares, “It is I!  I am the One – I am the Messiah.  I am the Light of the whole world!  If you follow Me, you will not live in darkness, you will have the light of life.”  It is bold.  It is radical.  And to the Pharisees, it is blasphemy.  The response to the word of truth is accusation, blame, and lies. 

Jesus stepped into Israel’s failed commission and took it upon Himself to be the Light of the world to Israel, to Gentiles, and to the entire world.  Let us follow Him and enjoy the light of life.