God formerly “contemptuously treated (Galilee), but in the latter time He shall make it glorious (because Jesus ministered there)…. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them the light has shined” (Isaiah 9:1-2). Jesus light of the world. What is His role as light of the world? Great question. Let’s explore.
What is His Role as Light of the World?
Did you know that seven hundred years before Jesus lived, Isaiah predicted His role as the Light of the World? It’s incredible how accurately the prophets predicted His coming. And when Jesus did come, He didn’t stay in the comfortable religious center of Jerusalem. Instead, He walked among the common people, ministering mainly by the Sea of Galilee.
He wasn’t born in a castle but in a stable. He didn’t call the rich, but the poor. Not the upper class but the unwashed multitude. And He didn’t come to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45).
His Light Shined in the Darkness
Jesus called the people who lived in shadow, and some responded. His light shined in the darkness, but mainly the darkness didn’t comprehend Him (John 1:5). He was the true light that came into the world, “And the world was created through Him, yet the world did not know Him” (John 1:9-10).
Metaphorically, one meaning of bringing someone light means generating their salvation:
“He (Jesus) came to … His own people (but they) did not receive Him. Yet to all who received Him, He gave the power to become sons of God, to those who believed in His name” (John 1:11-12).
God told Moses His Name is “I Am” (Exodus 3:14). In John’s gospel, Jesus makes seven “I am” statements, claiming to be God Himself:
“I am the bread of life” (John 6)
“I am the light of the world” (John 8, 9)
“I am the door” (John 10)
“I am the good shepherd” (John 11)
“I am the resurrection and the life (John 11)
“I am the way, the truth, and the life (John 14)
“I am the true vine” (John 15)
I am the Light of the World
Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).
The Festival of Lights was the backdrop when Jesus made this claim in the verse above. It celebrated the temple’s rededication in 164 BC after it had been desecrated when Antiochus Epiphanes sacrificed a pig on the altar to worship Zeus.
The priests recorded that a miracle happened during this ceremony. They only found enough holy oil to keep the candles burning for one day, but the oil didn’t run out, and they supernaturally burned for eight days. That’s why the Jews celebrate the festival for eight days.
Jesus was the Metaphorical Light to Blind People
The prophet Isaiah also predicted that the future Messiah would open the eyes of the blind:
“Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped” (Isaiah 35:5).
Jesus was that metaphorical light to blind people. He even restored the sight of a man blind from birth—and that was unheard of!
“Since the world began, it has never been heard that anyone opened the eyes of someone born blind” (John 9:32).
And it happened one day,
“As Jesus passed by, He saw a man blind from birth” (John 9:1), and Jesus (it can’t be said He restored his sight because he had never had it) initiated his sight!
While I (Jesus) am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:5). Yes, ‘Light’ in so many ways!
Jesus Fulfills His Role
When the Apostle John described eternity, Jesus fulfilled His role as the light of the world:
- “The city has no need of sun or moon to shine in it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb” (Revelation 21:23).
- “Night shall be no more. They need no lamp nor the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they shall reign forever and ever” (Revelation 22:5).
We invite you into a relationship with Jesus the Light of the World. Please watch the Great News video on this page and connect with us for help with your life. God loves you and we care.
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