I AM #2 – The 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
SETTING
Who was there?
Participants: Jesus, Pharisees and the man born blind
Observers: The Twelve and the crowd
Where did the events take place?
In the Temple Courts in Jerusalem
When did they take place?
During the Feast of the Tabernacles (in the autumn after the harvest)
What took place?
Jesus had no sooner said, “I AM the Light of the world,” than the Pharisees challenged the validity of His testimony. After a long debate, they mocked Jesus by asking, “Are you greater than our father Abraham? Who do you think you are?” (John 8:53). Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was born, I AM!” (John 8:58). Immediately thereafter, Jesus healed a man born blind from birth.
SUBJECT
The sun is the physical light of the world just as Jesus, God’s Son, is the spiritual Light of the world. There are some interesting comparisons:
| The Sun provides physical light… | The Son provides spiritual light… |
| To illuminate the world around us | To allow us to see spiritual Truth |
| To enable us to see where we are going | To guide and direct our lives |
| To keep us safe from danger | To remove all fear amidst danger |
| To keep us warm | To enjoy fellowship with Him |
| To grow life on earth | To grow and mature us spiritually. |
SUMMARY
When Jesus claimed to be the Light of the world, the Pharisees challenged the validity of His testimony. And just like Jesus, many people will question the validity of our testimony. In faith we can answer with the same words as the man born blind, “One thing I do know. I was blind, but now I see!” (John 9:25b).
PRAYER
Lord, Thank You for giving me spiritual sight to see You for Who You truly are – the Light of the world. Help me to be a light on a hill in my little corner of the world. Amen
© 2014 Steven A. Lake
Dr. Steve Lake is a retired educator with over 30 years experience in the American public schools. He has served in a variety of position, including teacher, elementary school principal, junior high principal, Associate Superintendent, retired from public education as Superintendent of Schools in Lincolnwood, IL. He has his Bachelors, Masters and Doctor of Education degrees from Northern Illinois University. For the past 25 years Steve has attended and been a member of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington and Northfield, IL. At Willow Creek Steve has taught adult classes on spiritual gifts, life purpose, and spiritual disciplines. He has ministered overseas in Angola, Zambia, Honduras, Germany, and Russia. Steve is co-founder of Designed to Serve, a ministry that equips Christians to live out their unique God-given calling. Steve is married and has two adult children who are married.
