Defining Light:
· Light is one spectrum of Electromagnetic Radiation.
· Forms of Electromagnetic Radiation include Radiowaves, Microwaves, X-rays, Gamma rays.
· Light is a powerful force that makes it possible for the eye to see the splendor of creation. It is a stupendous gift from God!
· There are 4 primary colors in the Light Color Spectrum – Red, Gold, Green, Blue. By adjusting Frequency and Wavelength limitless colors can be produced.
· You can split Light into these colors with the use of a prism.
There are THREE basic ways to control light.
· Block it by placing something in front of it.
· Bend it (refraction) changing its direction. Results in optical distortion.
· Reflect it by using a mirror.
The word “Light” is used 24 times in John’s gospel. It speaks metaphorically of Divine Revelation and Spiritual Illumination (John 3:18-21).
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
There are three occurrences of the statement… I Am the light of the world.
John 8:12. The adulterous woman. The Purification of light!
John 9:5. A blind man receives his sight. The Illumination of Light!
John 12:46. Christ last public discourse. The Revelation of light!
John 12:46. Christ last public discourse. The Revelation of light!
Context helps us value Christ’ statement, “I AM the light of the World”
Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles [Celebration of Light] (John 7:2). There were four huge candelabras that graced the outer court that would be lit.
Historical accounts from the first century tell us that these lights could be seen throughout Jerusalem.
The lighting of these candelabras commemorated the pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night that was seen emanating from The Tabernacle in the wilderness.
In lighting them the Jews were saying, God is our Light & our Guide. Following the lighting of the candelabras on the first night of the “Feast of Tabernacles,” the people would celebrate and sing throughout the week. On the last day of the feast, the priests would extinguish the lights. The reason was to recognize that God had not yet sent their Messiah.
With that in mind, in John 8:12, Jesus is standing in the courtyard in the midst of these beautiful candelabras. They have been extinguished. God has been honored as the Light by the people. Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Some things to Remember about Light…
· God is Light. 1 John 1:5 This is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
Red = God’s redemption of man.
Gold = God’s immeasurable riches.
Green = God’s Rule over creation.
Blue = God’s royalty as monarch of the universe.
· God is the Source of Light.
Genesis 1:3 God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights,…
· God separated Light from Darkness. Genesis 1:4 God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
· Light & Darkness are Opposing Forces. 2 Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
1. JESUS IS THE DISPELLER OF DARKNESS (John 8:12).
· The Claim. I am the light of the world.
· The Circumference. I am the light of the world.
· The Course. he that followeth me.
· The Contrast. shall not walk in darkness.
· The Culmination. shall have the light of life.
Jesus Christ is the Revelation of Morality, Justice, Mercy, Purity, Faith-fulness, Patience, Hope, Love.
2. JESUS IS THE DISPENSER OF LIGHT.
Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord:.. walk as children of light: 13-14… all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light... Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
2 Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
· Jesus is the Light to the Gentile & the Jew. Isaiah 42:6 I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles.
· He is the Light of Truth. Psalm 36:9 For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.
The Light of Truth to the understanding…
The Light of Love to the heart…
The Light of Righteousness to the conscience…
· He is the Light of Glory. Revelation 21:23 The Lamb is the Light thereof.
3. JESUS IS THE LIGHT OF THE CHRISTIAN. Matthew 5:14-15 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. v 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
· The believer is to walk in the light because…
There is Danger in darkness.
There is Discomfort in darkness.
There is Dread in darkness.
· The believer is delivered from the darkness of…
Ignorance | He knows what he was, where he was, where he is going.
Inaccuracy | He now walks in the truth of the gospel.
Incredulity (unbelief) | He now walks by faith in Christ.
Iniquity | He now knows Christ & enjoys the promises – Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
4. CHRISTIANS ARE TO BE REFLECTORS OF HIS LIGHT.
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.
1Thessalonians 5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
1Thessalonians 5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
CONCLUSION: John 12:36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light.
