“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12
I’ve said it several times in our study of John’s gospel, “Jesus is either who He claims to be, or He’s not” If He’s not, then go on about your business, because nothing really matters any way. Life is short, and then you die. And there’s nothing beyond that! No resurrection. No salvation from sin! Just an empty oblivion! But if He is Who He claims to be (and I’m convinced that He is!) then nothing matters more than knowing Him! There is life to be had, joy to be found, and forgiveness to be received! But it all depends on Him!
So Who does Jesus claim to be? John’s Gospel presents us with seven “I AM” sayings where Jesus claims to be none other than the very God Moses knew and trembled before at the burning bush in the Old Testament – the God Who alone has power to rescue His people from their sins and give them new life. Each of these sayings begins with Jesus declaring “I AM…something” using words that take us back to Ex 3:14 where God revealed Himself to Moses as the Eternal One, the Great “I AM.” Jesus picks up on that claim in each of these seven passages from John. Those passages are:
“I AM the bread of life” (John 6:35, 41, 48, 51)
“I AM the light of the world” (John 8:12)
“I AM the door of the sheep” (John 10:7, 9)
“ I AM the good shepherd” (John 10:11, 14)
“ I AM the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25)
“I AM the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6)
“I AM the true vine” (John 15:1-5)
Today, we’ll be looking at this second claim: I am the Light of the World
May God give each of us eyes to see Him for Who He is!
Pastor Scott