Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world.”

John 8:12

The Gospel of John records seven times that Jesus said, “I Am,” followed by a description to explain to His followers who He really was. This summer we are going to look at each of Jesus’ descriptions to build a clearer and deeper relationship with Him.

Every person can follow Jesus by completing this eye exam.

Vision Test – Are you staring at the Light of the World? Come to Jesus and follow Him. Accepting the life that He offers you. By believing that Jesus is the light of the world, and crossing the boundary between darkness to light.

• Matthew 4:19 – Jesus said, “FOLLOW ME and I will make you fishers of men.”

WHERE is this quote of Jesus, I am the Light of the Word, found? In history? In the world? In the Bible?

*Feast of Tabernacles is explained in Leviticus 23:33-44

For 40 years they followed a moving light (fire by night and cloud by day) in the wilderness. That ended when the Temple was set up in Jerusalem and worship of God had a set location, but the journey wasn’t over. The light came back into the world, and He is on the move.

As the Israelites were dependent upon God leading them thru the wilderness as a “light”, Jesus is leading today those who will accept that He is the light of the world.

Current Roadblocks to Following Jesus:

• Misinformed about Jesus – Everyone has a right to an accurate explanation of the Gospel.
• Misguided – False teachers
• Inherited Lesser Discipleship – Attend, Avoid Sinners, Sit and Listen.
• This leads to the most common Roadblock – Response #2

John 3:19-21 HCSB

“This, then, is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. For everyone who practices wicked things hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed. But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”

Blindness Test – Will you turn your focus away from evil desires? Love the light of Jesus more than the darkness of your selfish ambitions. If you are unwilling to do this, you may go blind.

John 9:38-40 HCSB

“I believe, Lord!” he said, and he worshiped Him. Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment, in order that those who do not see will see and those who do see will become blind.” Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these things and asked Him, “We aren’t blind too, are we?” “If you were blind,” Jesus told them, “you wouldn’t have sin. But now that you say, ‘We see’—your sin remains.

Matthew 5:14-16 HCSB

“You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

Magnification Trial – Do you shine the Light of Jesus on others?

Final Thoughts – The Darkness did not comprehend it. Don’t be overcome.

John 1:5 HCSB

Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men.

That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it.

1 John 4:4 HCSB

You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

Options for Your Week:

I have a busy Schedule – Try 5 for 5 – Scan this QR code and then type in the search bar “Light of the World”. It only takes five minutes to enjoy one of these devotionals about Jesus as the Light of the world. See if you can squeeze this in five times this week.  5 minutes for 5 days.

I have some time – Use this chart to read through the seven I Am’s that are found in the Gospel of John. Look into some of the Old Testament corollaries to Jesus’ statements.

I will make some time – Read completely through the Gospel of John and highlight every reference to the word light.

For Small Group Discussion: What stood out to you the most from this week’s message?

Opening Question: Have you ever been somewhere so dark that you were actually scared?

Main Point: To a world lost in darkness, the light of Jesus exposes what is hidden and is a guide for our lives.

Main Scripture: John 8:12 & John 3:19-21

Questions:

Head 

• What does Jesus mean when He says that He is the light of the world?
• How do we determine what is light and what is darkness in our current culture?

Heart 

• What is your story of turning from darkness into the light?
• What darkness has been difficult for you to overcome?

Hands 

• How can you let your light shine in your current life situations?

Additional Scripture: John 9:38-40, Matthew 5:14-16, John 1:1-5

Tips and Resources: https://www.gotquestions.org/light-of-the-world.html

For additional resources, podcasts and more, go to https://realliferesources.org/current-series/