I chose "I am the Light of the World" because when i look around at the condition of the world (people), i see people trying to find their own way through life using their own self-made road maps. They have their own versions of right and wrong, their own truths and they all want to be masters of their own fates, captains of their own ships. People are walking around in a fog, in a daze trying to figure out what life is all about. Some want to live without rules to govern them, without God telling them how to live; others want God in their lives but on their terms, and so they are stumbling in the the darkness, in the chaos of this world. All a true believer has to do is look around via the television, radio or internet we can see confused men and women and even conversing with them will tell you they are confused, in a state of darkness. When Jesus declared I am the Light of the world” (John 8:12) which is the second of seven “I AM” declarations of Jesus, recorded in John’s gospel, it characterizes His unique divine identity and purpose. In declaring Himself to be the Light of the world, Jesus was claiming that He is the exclusive source of spiritual light. No other source of spiritual truth is available to mankind.
According to my commentary studies many in the old testament draw attention to the ceremonies with lights at the Feast of Tabernacles and suggest that Jesus was consciously fulfilling the symbolism suggested by them (John 8:12-30).
Bible studies teacher and contributor Robert L. (Bob)Deffinbaugh added there is nothing unlikely in this, especially if the words were uttered reasonably close to the time of the Feast. The feasts were very important to the Jews. They delighted in their observance and rejoiced in their symbolism. And it was important to the Christians that the Christ fulfilled all the spiritual truths to which the feasts pointed.
Note: Robert L. (Bob)Deffinbaugh graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with his Th.M. in 1971. Bob is a pastor/teacher and elder at Community Bible Chapel in Richardson, Texas, and has contributed many of his Bible study series for use by the Bible. Org Foundation.
Maurice-Good connections and observations based on the condition of this world. Many people are, in the words of Frank Sinatra, trying to "Do it my way." rather than living by the truth that Jesus sets forth. As Jesus speaks these words, I agree that Jews would have seen the symbolism at what Jesus was trying to say, but unfortunately they don't believe. I also think Jesus is drawing on a theme that runs throughout Scripture, the differences between light and darkness. Unfortunately, as Jesus tells Nicodemus, men loved the darkness because of their sin. However, the confidence we have is that Jesus as the Light of the World will never be overcome with darkness or evil, for He will shine forever!
Maurice, you brought to my mind a few conversations I've had recently. One was about forgiveness and how we must forgive others who sin against us to be forgiven for our sins against God. My christian friend didn't believe/remember it was in the Bible. So I texted her a few verses that say very plainly what we are expected to do. As a serious grudge holder, she was not digging these words. Conviction is powerful and uncomfortable. We are good friends and my response was...you know Jesus didn't consult either one of us to ask how we felt about this or if it sounds like something we can do. Not liking it doesn't make it untrue. There are times I don't particularly "like" what I am required to do following Jesus...but I know He is right and I pray for strength to do what I am asked, because on my own, I will fail. My go to example. Peter attacked and cut off the guys ear of the servant who was there to arrest Jesus, trying to protect him. Jesus, knowing this guy was there to take him to his death, healed this servant. If Jesus can forgive and heal the guy who came to take Him to his death, you can forgive someone who said something or did something wrong to you, don't you think?
Being a light in the world for us, is mimicking what Jesus taught us, so that He shines through us. If we follow His example, lives with be changed when the Light is seen through us. Its often uncomfortable too.
Hi Lori . Your response put the "I am the light of the world" in a different perspective. It seems when it comes to obeying God which is the same as being a light bearer, people want to pick and choose when to say yes to Christ. As you stated just because we don't agree with what is written in the Bible doesn't change the fact that it's there. I have had conversations with some pretty stubborn people who insist on doing things their way apart from how the Bible says we should conduct ourselves. They will often say "show me in the Bible where it says do x, y and z, or don't do x,y and z. Then when you show them they will say "well that's not how I see it!" I realize that sometimes things happen to us or are done to us by others that make it so hard to forgive (the latest school shootings in Florida are a good example). Without Christ in our lives as example of light we as Christians would never be able to forgive the wrongs done to us in this life. One of the things i'm learning on this journey is that sometimes what is going on with us and around us is not necessarily about us. Not realizing that can also cause us to walk in darkness. Another good example is our refusal as Christians to pray for our leaders mainly Donald Trump (1 Timothy 2:2, Romans 13:1). I'm not happy with him as president like many Christians. And Christians i know refuse to pray for him or congress. They have said to me they are not going to pray for him! That's a powerful statement because as i have said to them they are not thumbing their noses at me but at God; of course they get upset when i say that and still continue to say to me they are talking to me not God , when in reality they are telling God he made a mistake in allowing Trump to become president. When I say that they really get upset Lol. These are people who want to do things their way or want to help God out (Lord let me help you, you obviously don't know what you're doing in this situation). When we want to do things our way we truly are walking in darkness. Continue to pray for your friend, it sounds like she has been let down a few times. She needs your understanding, but you can never compromise what you know is right.
Blessings
Hello Pastor Rob. Thank you for that powerful reminder of Jesus conversation with Nicodemus. There are those who do love darkness so they can hide the evil they purposely do. At the end of Revelation God promises a celebration. One day Heaven and earth will be engulfed in light!! Like the song says "I can only imagine."
Great work this week on your post and discussion. Grade-100
Maurice your post "shines light" on our current human condition and I really appreciate your take on things. I have been asking God all week to help Jesus’ light to shine through me in my job as a teacher. I hope that God’s unique identity called Jesus touches every child in the school. I hope that I can look back when I’m retired and say I did my best to light the paths of kids.
One day after exercise I told my third-grade class to rest on their mats while I played soothing music. I chose an instrumental version of “How Great is Our God.” I figured I was pretty safe with a no-words version. Well when the chorus started to play the entire class started loudly singing, “How Great is Our God, Sing With Me How Great is Our God. How Great, How Great, is Our God!!” I was so busted.:) Then they started asking each other, “where do you go to church?” I was pretty amazed that on my secular job, Jesus’ light showed brightly in the lives of third graders that day. It was a beautiful thing.
Hi Linda; even though we are done posting about the gospel of John, i want to say thanks for the feed back. There is no better place for us to shine (Christ in us) than outside the home or Church. That's where the real work begins, with people who don't know us or have less contact with us than home and family. Just think, you didn't realize the impact you were and are having on those kids until that day. You have given them something they will long remember and probably pass on. Jesus told us to let our light so shine so that all will see and glorify our father in Heaven.
Thanks for sharing,
Peace and Blessings