Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12, NKJV)

Through the week-long Festival of Tabernacles in the Court of the Women, the Jews keep four huge candelabra burning in the temple area to commemorate the pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night which led and guarded Israel in the wilderness. That custom forms the background for Jesus’ claim to be the light of the world, which in the first instance means the sun but ultimately means the light of eternal life brought by him.

Jesus is the light from God that lights the darkness of the world. He is the “pillar of light” that lights the way of life so we will not fall from the right way and be destroyed. And as Jesus’ followers reflect the light that comes from him, they too are the “light of the world” (Matt. 5:14). This brings and supports life. We walk and live in his light!

Without Jesus, all is darkness, misery and destruction!

Sources:

Gundry, Robert H. A Survey of the New Testament. Third Edition. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc., 2002.

Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary. New Testament. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993.

MySword for Android. Riversoft Ministry, 2011-2019.

Olive Tree Bible Software, 1998-2020.

Zondervan NASB Study Bible. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1999.

http://www.biblegateway.com

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