S03-04 Bible for adults ‘Adult sermon’
www.scriptureunion.org.uk/light
Page 1 of 11
© Scripture Union 2005
‘I am the light of the world…’
Key feature of the Feast of Tabernacles
Four huge lamps
In the temple’s court of women
To light up the celebrations
Their glow could be seen from all around
‘I am the light of the world…’
Jesus’ stupendous claim
‘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).
‘I am the light of the world…’
Some pointed to the light,
(eg, John the Baptist, 1:6–9)
Jesus claimed to be the light:
Light that illuminates God and his purposes
His reason for being in the world (9:39).
No wonder the Pharisees were perplexed
(9:15,19,26)!
‘I am the light of the world…’
It’s valid to judge Jesus’ claims (7:24).
His authority hinges on his knowing the
start and finish of his journey
(8:14 cf 5:36, 13:1)
His relationship with God is key (8:16,18,19).
‘I am the light of the world…’
‘A little candle can dispel a roomful of
darkness and not be dimmed by it. Light
and darkness are opposites, but they are
not opposites of equal power.’ (F F Bruce)
Light that enables life’ equals true light
of the Word that reflects God’s glory
(1:9,14).
‘I am the light of the world…’
Jesus offers God’s perspective:
In the midst of the darkness of injustice,
falsehood and hatred.
This is God’s work.
The blind man witnessed to this
physically and spiritually.
‘I am the light of the world…’
The festival’s lamps shone over Jerusalem
But Jesus claimed to be light for the world
‘Enlightened living’ in Christ (9:39) is
available for all people in all of life.
‘I am the light of the world…’
When we expose ourselves to the
light of Christ:
… We will reflect the work of God (9:3).
… The results will be:
Worship (9:38)
Witness (Matthew 5:14–16).
‘I am the light of the world…’
‘I am the light of the world…’ – Jesus
‘You are the light of the world…’ – Jesus
What does this mean for us?