Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life.” (Jn. 8:12)

Darkness often speaks of a time of fear and uncertainty. A time when we cannot see very clearly and hope for light. Light gives us direction and eases our fears. As children like to have night lights to keep their room from being too dark, so it is with us when life becomes dark. We would like to have some kind of “night light.”

In this lesson we are going to discuss the Light of the world... Jesus Christ. Jesus is exactly what the world needs... Light! Unfortunately, many people do not like light and go to great lengths to avoid it, for it exposes darkness (cf. Jn. 3:19). They would much rather live in darkness and practice those things that light reveals to be evil.

It is interesting how the prophet Isaiah described the condition of things on earth when the Light would enter our world. Notice some of the descriptions he gives: “We hope for light, but darkness...” (Isa. 59:9). “We grope along the wall like blind men...” (Isa. 59:10). “Darkness will cover the earth...” (Isa. 60:2). “Deep darkness the people...” (Isa. 60:2).

The darkness he is describing is spiritual darkness; moral darkness. If the world at that time needed Light, how much more its need today for the Light of the world.

Scriptures: Ps. 27:1; Isa. 59-60:5, 19 ; Matt. 5:14; Jn. 1:5-9; 3:16-21; 8:12; Rom. 13:12-14; Eph. 5:11; Phil. 2:15; 1 Jn. 1:5-9

1. What did David recognize in regards to the light the Lord provides? (Ps. 27:1)

2. What does light do to darkness?

3. Why do some love darkness rather than light?

4. In what ways is Jesus the Light of the world?

5. What was the promise that Jesus made (as the Light of the world) to those who will follow Him? What does this mean for us? (Jn. 8:12)

6. What does it mean to walk in the light? (1 Jn. 1:5-9)

7. How can we be lights? (Matt. 5:14; Phil. 2:15)

8. Discuss the importance of Rom. 13:12-14 and Eph. 5:11 to our being lights.