David Diga Hernandez - I AM the Light of the World: What did Jesus mean?

The key verse here is John chapter 8, verse 12. Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, «I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.»

Number one: Light reveals and exposes. Matthew 12:25 says, «Jesus knew their thoughts,» and replied, «Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A town or family splintered by feuding will fall apart.» Let’s focus on that key phrase: Jesus knew their thoughts. When light comes on, the things that were hidden in the shadows become revealed; the things that were hidden in darkness are exposed. When light turns on, the details become visible. When light turns on, that which was under the surface in shadow becomes apparent. It is not until we see Him that we see everything that needs to change in us. I’m talking about secret sin; I’m talking about hidden motives within the heart; I’m talking about ungodly plans; I’m talking about character flaws. Jesus is that light, and when that light is present, it begins to reveal and expose things in you and me. I often tell the Lord, «Lord, there are so many ways that I’m not like you. Please make me like you.» It is only when you are in His presence that those flaws become apparent.

Think about Isaiah in Isaiah chapter 6. When he was carrying out his duties, all of a sudden, heaven opened. He captured this glimpse of the glory of God. What does he say? He says, «Woe is me, for I am undone.» In other words, in the midst of that captivating beauty, in the midst of that encounter with God, Isaiah becomes focused on himself. Why? Because as the Lord drew closer, his flaws became more apparent. As the Lord drew closer, the conviction on him intensified. The Lord does reveal our secret sin; the Lord does reveal our hidden motives, our ungodly plans, our character flaws. But He doesn’t expose us to shame; He exposes it that it might be eliminated from our lives.

So, Jesus is the light of the world, and one of the traits of light is that it reveals and exposes. The presence of Jesus reveals and exposes.

Number two: Light guides. Isaiah chapter 9, verse 2 says, «The people who walk in darkness will see a great light, for those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.» It is only by the person of Jesus that we can truly see all things as they truly are. He is that light. When His presence is in our lives, just as the children of Israel were guided by a cloud by day and a fire by night, so you and I are led by that presence. Moses told the Lord, «Lord, I won’t go anywhere unless your presence goes with me.» In the same way, we ought to say to the Lord, «Lord, be the light of my life; guide my every step; show me the right direction.» Psalm chapter 119, verse 105 says, «Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.» It is very dangerous to walk without the light. We shouldn’t let our lives be led by our emotions, opinions, or whims; our lives should be guided by that light. Our lives should be directed by the light of the world. As we follow the light, we are guided into God’s perfect will. As we follow the light, we reach the destiny that God has preordained for us, and by choice, we walk in that predestination.

Number three: Light brings color. It is true that without light, there is no color. John chapter 10, verse 10 says, «The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life,» or as another translation says, «that they might have life and life more abundantly.» There is a dullness to life without Jesus; it is colorless. Acts chapter 17, verse 28 says, «For in Him we live and move and have our being.» As certain of your own poets have said, «For we are also His offspring.» There is no real purpose without Him. I would rather cease to exist than to exist without Him. Without the light of the world, without the presence of Jesus, there is no color in life. There’s no purpose; it’s aimless. What good is this life without the presence of Jesus? Ephesians chapter 3, verse 8 says, «Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.» You know what that means? Exactly what it says: unsearchable riches—never-ending riches. The mystery of Christ Himself is an eternity of exploration. You and I have the honor and privilege of knowing the glory of the Son of God. He is that color to life. He is what brings life to fullness; He is what brings life to purpose. There is no purpose; there is no fullness; there is no color. It’s dull. He is heaven; He is heaven. His presence is heaven, and in Him, we see; in Him, we know; in Him, we experience the glories of God.

That’s number three: Light brings color. So, so far:
Number one: Light reveals and exposes. As He draws nearer to us, things in our hearts begin to become clear, and we start to see all the ways that we’re not like Him.
Number two: Light guides. Without the presence of Jesus in our lives, we would not know where to go. It is by Him that we truly see all things.
Number three: Light brings color. There is life in Him, and without Him, life is dull.