What Is In A Name: Light of the World

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, NIV)

Before the movie begins, a message appears on the screen asking everyone to turn off their cellphones. Any sound can be a distraction from the movie. However, the message doesn’t just ask to silence cell phones but to turn them off. In a darkened theater, when all lights go out, you cannot see your hand in front of your face. Even with the light from the movie playing, the theater is still extremely dark. The light of just one cell phone is distracting.

In our second I AM declaration, Jesus declares that He is the Light of the World. Jesus is the light in a world of darkness. No, not a physically dark world, not like a theater, but in a spiritually dark world. Just as one cell phone can light up an entire theater, Jesus Christ shines bright in spiritual darkness.

When someone lacks knowledge or understanding, we refer to them as being “in the dark.” We are all born in the dark, without knowledge or understanding of Jesus Christ and the gift of salvation He has given to us. As we come to know Him, we start to see His light shining, illuminating right from wrong, providing a path through the darkness, to Him.

Jesus promises that by following Him, we will never walk in darkness. His light will never go out. His light can never be turned off, His battery will never run out! Just as God the Father provided light for Israel as they wandered the desert, Jesus will provide light to all who look to Him and follow Him.

Interestingly, Jesus also referred to His followers, to us, as the light of the world.

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV)

Light radiates outward, spreading far a wide. As followers of Christ, we should be seeking to share His light with as many as possible. We should not be seeking to hold all of the light for ourselves but sharing it, so that others may bask in its glory and truth.

So what does this mean for us? Do not fear! We are never walking through life alone. Jesus is always there to guide us. With our eyes fixed on Jesus (20/20 Vision for Christ), we can help others find their way through the darkness and into the light.

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