Names of Jesus - Part 2 - 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

Our houses are filled with twinkling lights that are special to the Christmas season. We have lights shining through our windows from decorated Christmas trees, tiny snow villages, all the lights in the house as families gather, and even lights hanging from the outside of the houses. These lights are proof that something special is happening; we are celebrating the season of light, hope, and joy. Christmas.

We can find so many connections to light and Jesus in the Bible, but I want us to focus on three of them today.

“By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.” Exodus 13:21

Look at John 12:46 where Jesus says, “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” By Jesus saying He came into the world shows that He existed before He was born from Mary’s womb. Before He was a light for us, He was a light for the Israelites. 1 John 1:5 reminds us that “God is light”, but Jesus is also the light from God that lights the way for life. He guided the Israelites through the wilderness and provided a way for them. Nehemiah 9:12 says, “He led them by night with a pillar of fire to give them light on the way they were to take.” Jesus’ light shines so that we can always see the way to go. We will not be lost in the darkness of this world but will always find the way to His truths and promises. He is our guide and protector.

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:2

As soon as Jesus was born, a star shining brighter than any other star, shone high in the sky pointing to where Jesus was. Already, He was a symbol of light. A symbol that stood out to people of something that was deserving of worship. A king was born that will bring light to the world full of darkness. A king that would be above any other king. The Magi knew the fact that Jesus would not become a king as an adult, He was born a king. The fact that the Magi called Him “King of the Jews”, shows that the Magi were not Jews themselves but were Gentiles. Gentiles were coming to worship Jesus. In His first breath, He was already showing that He was here to save the whole world, not just the Jews. Jesus is our savior that is deserving of worship.

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.”

Ephesians 5:8-10

As Christians, believers in Jesus Christ, we have a duty; we are to shine Jesus’ light until His return. Jesus saved us from the darkness, Satan. Through Jesus’ salvation, we can recognize what is of this world and what is of God. We do not live blinded by the enemy’s schemes, but the world’s darkness is shown in the light. Picture this, you are staring into a dark room where you cannot see anything. There could be anything in that room. Imagine murderers, addictions, abusers, witchcraft, sexual immorality, idolatry, prejudice, and pride. In the room of darkness you have no idea it is full of wickedness, so you do not know to flee from the room. You do not realize the permanent damage that could come from the evil surrounding you. Then, Jesus comes and shines a huge spotlight in the room, and all is revealed. You see all the bad that could hurt you and your loved ones, and you run away from the room as fast as you can. Jesus brings everything into the light. When we follow Jesus’ lead, we are aware of where to go and where to let His light shine through us.

Can we allow Jesus’ light to shine through us, not only this Christmas season, but all through the year? I am so thankful He is the light in our world. I am so thankful for the hope He gives to us all. May He be your guide, protector, and savior in the days to come.

Digging Deeper:

Romans 13:11, John 1:5, John 3:19, Philippians 2:15

What characteristics of Jesus show you that He is your light of the world?

Is there something in your life that needs to come out of the darkness and into the light? Can you confess it to God today?

How can you shine the light of Jesus to others?