In the Bible, a name often signifies a person's identity, purpose, and reputation. It's not just a way to distinguish one person from another; it's a profound statement about who they are. Throughout this study, we'll explore how the names given to Jesus—from Old Testament prophecies to New Testament revelations—build a complete picture of His role in God's redemptive plan.
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." - Isaiah 7:14
Matthew 1:23 NLT “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”
In this session we will continue our discussion of the I Am declarations of Jesus. The "I Am" statements of Jesus are a series of profound declarations found in the Gospel of John. They are significant because they connect Jesus directly to God's own name as revealed to Moses in the Old Testament, which was "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14). By using these statements, Jesus was not only revealing aspects of his own nature and identity, but also claiming divine authority. This week we discuss Jesus' declaration the He is the "Light of the World"
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." - Isaiah 7:14
Matthew 1:23 NLT “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”
In this session we talk about the “I Am” declaration, “I am the light of the world)
John 8:12 NIV 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.”
The identity of Jesus as the source of truth, guidance, and spiritual life, in contrast to the darkness of sin and ignorance.
He doesn't say "I have light" or "I bring light," but "I am the light." This powerful statement of identity is a direct parallel to God's self-revelation to Moses as "I AM." It’s also striking that he immediately connects this identity to a promise for those who follow him: they "will never walk in darkness." This is a promise of absolute certainty, not just a possibility, offering a complete and permanent escape from spiritual darkness.
What does the word "darkness" bring to mind, both literally and spiritually? (e.g., confusion, ignorance, evil, fear, sin)
The word "darkness" brings to mind both literal and spiritual concepts. Literally, darkness is the absence of light, causing a lack of vision, leading to uncertainty and the potential for stumbling or getting lost. . Spiritually, darkness represents several things:
Confusion and ignorance: It’s a state of not knowing God's truth or purpose.
Evil and sin: Darkness is often used as a metaphor for wicked deeds and moral corruption.
Fear and despair: Being in the dark can evoke feelings of vulnerability, loneliness, and hopelessness.
Separation: It can represent being cut off from God, who is the source of all light and life.
Jesus made this declaration during the Feast of Tabernacles
We know this from the Gospel of John, specifically in chapters 7 and 8.
John 7:2-3, 14-15 NIV
[2] But when the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near, [3] Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do.
[14] Not until halfway through the festival did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to teach. [15] The Jews there were amazed and asked, “How did this man get such learning without having been taught?”
The subsequent events, including Jesus's teaching and his declaration in John 8:12, occur during this festival.
John 8:12 NIV [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.”
But just before the declaration there was a confrontation
John 8:2-11 NIV [2] At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. [3] The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group [4] and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. [5] In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” [6] They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. [7] When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” [8] Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. [9] At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. [10] Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” [11] “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
The setting of this statement during the Feast of Tabernacles is highly significant, as the festival included a major ceremony involving the lighting of four massive candelabras in the temple court. This ceremony was said to light up all of Jerusalem and was a commemoration of the pillar of fire that guided the Israelites through the wilderness. By declaring "I am the light of the world," Jesus was directly connecting himself to this powerful symbol and claiming to be the fulfillment of its meaning.
Biblical Context: Light and Darkness in Scripture
Genesis 1:1-5 NIV [1] In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. [2] Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. [3] And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. [4] God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. [5] God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.
Light was the first thing God created. It separated the day from the night. Light is associated with order and God's creative power.
God establishes light as a primary, foundational act of God's creation, bringing order out of chaos. By calling himself the "light of the world," Jesus is identifying himself as the divine creator, the one who brings spiritual order to the chaos of a sinful world.
Proverbs 4:18-19 NIV[18] The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. [19] But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.
This passage contrasts the path of the righteous (like the morning sun) with the path of the wicked (deep darkness). The path of light is one of progress and clarity, while the path of darkness leads to stumbling.
Isaiah 9:2 NIV [2] The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
This prophecy foretold the coming of a great light to those who lived in darkness and the shadow of death. The New Testament identifies this light as Jesus
Isaiah 9:2 is a direct prophecy of a messianic figure who would bring light to those in spiritual darkness. When Jesus declares himself the "light of the world" in John, he is explicitly claiming to be the fulfillment of this prophecy. This makes his statement not just a personal claim but the climax of God's redemptive plan for humanity.
Matthew 4:12-17 NIV [12] When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. [13] Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— [14] to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: [15] “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— [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.” [17] From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
John 1:4-5 NIV [4] In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. [5] The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
By starting with the theme of light and darkness, it clearly defines the central conflict: Jesus, as the divine light, has come to overcome the spiritual darkness of the world.
The phrase "the darkness has not overcome it" promises that no matter how much spiritual darkness, evil, or opposition Jesus faces, his light and truth will ultimately prevail. This offers us hope and confidence.
This is a message of hope. No matter how dark the world or our circumstances may seem, Jesus's light is stronger. It cannot be extinguished.
In contrast to darkness, "light" represents a complete and positive transformation. Spiritually, light embodies:
Truth and knowledge: Light dispels ignorance, revealing reality and God’s will.
Clarity and guidance: It provides a clear path forward, helping us to navigate life's challenges without stumbling.
Safety and security: Being in the light means being protected and seen by God.
Goodness and purity: Light symbolizes holiness and moral righteousness, standing in stark opposition to evil.
Life: Just as physical light is necessary for life on Earth, Jesus as the spiritual light is the source of eternal life. The verse says followers will have the "light of life," connecting these two concepts directly.
Deeper Meaning: The Implications of Jesus as the Light
Jesus Illuminates the Path (John 12:46):
Jesus's light exposes sin, but it doesn't leave us there. It shows us our need for a Savior and guides us toward repentance and new life.
John 12:46 NIV I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
Jesus Gives Us Purpose (Matthew 5:14-16):
Jesus passes this title on to us, his followers. We are to reflect His light to the world. We are not the source, but the carriers of the light.
Matthew 5:14-16 NIV [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.
To discern if you are truly following Jesus, consider whether your life is marked by a sincere desire to imitate His character and teachings. This isn't about achieving perfection, but about the direction of your heart and actions. A life following Jesus is characterized by:
Love for God and others: This is the greatest commandment. Do your actions and thoughts reflect a love for God, and do you actively seek to love your neighbor as yourself?
Obedience to His Word: Are you consistently seeking to understand and apply the principles found in the Bible to your life?
A Spirit of Humility: Do you recognize your need for God and rely on His strength rather than your own?
Fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Are these qualities becoming more evident in your life?
Identifying areas still in darkness requires honest self-assessment. Jesus's light illuminates everything, including the parts of our lives we may want to keep hidden. Some common areas to consider are:
Mind and thoughts: Are there persistent negative thought patterns, worries, or unforgiveness that cloud your mind?
Words and speech: Do you speak words that build up others, or do you find yourself engaging in gossip, criticism, or complaining?
Priorities and motivations: Are your primary goals and desires in life centered on worldly success, comfort, or possessions rather than on serving God and others?
Relationships: Are there strained or broken relationships that need forgiveness and reconciliation?
To invite Jesus's light into these areas, you can bring them to Him in prayer, ask for His guidance, and take intentional steps to align your life with His will.
Being a reflector of His light means allowing Jesus's character to shine through you so others can see Him. This isn't about being perfect but about being transparent and letting His grace be visible. You can be a better reflector of His light by:
Serving others: Actively look for opportunities to help those in need, whether it's through volunteering, a kind gesture, or simply listening to someone.
Sharing your story: Share how Jesus has worked in your life, giving hope and encouragement to others.
Practicing forgiveness: Extend grace and forgiveness to those who have wronged you, just as Christ has forgiven you.
Living with integrity: Let your actions align with your words, being a trustworthy example of a follower of Christ.
Living as a reflector of Jesus's light is an ongoing journey of intentionally choosing His way.
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