Study 4

I am the light of the world

The Scripture readings for this study are:

· John 8:12-24

· John 9:1-41

· John 12:35-36, 44-48

Background information

In our Scripture readings for this week we find John’s interesting way of explaining Jesus’ words again. In Chapter 8 we have the sermon concerning Jesus being the light and how people react according to their “spiritual heritage” (light or darkness). In Chapter 9 we have the sign that explains the sermon when Jesus heals the blind man (from darkness to light). In Chapter 12 we find the challenge to make the choice of either living in the light or the darkness, with a summary of the teaching in verses 44-48.

The background against which this teaching takes place is the Feast of the Tabernacles (also called the Feast of the Booths and in Hebrew-Sukkoth). For information on the Feast and how it was celebrated you can refer to the following passages: Ex. 23:16, 34:22; Lev. 23:34–36, 39–43; Deut. 16:13–15; cf. also 2 Chronicles 8:13; Ezra 3:4 and Nehemiah 8:15–18.

The feast was part of the celebration of the harvest and usually lasted 7 days (some would say 8 cf. Lev. 23:34-36 again). The reason for celebrating of this feast was to give thanks to God for the harvest but it was also a celebration of God’s redemptive actions during their deliverance from Egypt and their time of wandering in the wilderness. That is why they made the booths and lived in them for the seven days, as a reminder of their time in the wilderness. It also served of a reminder of God’s faithfulness and provision in their time of need.

The whole feast was filled with symbolism to remind the people of God’s care during their time in the wilderness. One of the most dramatic moments of the feast occurred on the first day of the feast during the so called festival of light. Huge candelabra were lit in the Court of the Women (where most people were allowed – see picture). These candelabra were so huge that the light that radiated from them could be seen for miles around Jerusalem. Most scholars agree that it is not always easy to understand the symbolism but it seems that the light here at the feast symbolized the pillar of fire that guided them and gave light and direction during their time in the wilderness. It is important to note that the candelabra were left burning for the whole week except for the last day of the feast when everything would be dark. It seems that Jesus used this poignant moment, standing in the Court of the Women, to make his declaration, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12).

A sermon – The light gives life (8:12^c)

By now we have seen that John likes to use contrasting terms like life and death. During this session he will focus the terms, light and darkness. To answer the following questions refer to John 8.

1. How does Jesus introduce himself to the people? (Vs. 12)

2. What will the people that follow Jesus receive? (Vs. 12)

3. Where do the people live that choose not to follow Him? (Vs. 12)

4. Read John 8:23-24 again. According to these verses how would you describe the phrase, “in darkness” (Vs. 12). In other words what does darkness symbolize?

Let’s apply this for life change:

In what way is Jesus a “light”?

How is Jesus the light in your world?

A sign to explain the sermon – Blind eyes (darkness) see (light)

Now Jesus uses a sign to explain what it means that He is “the light of the world.”

Read John 9:1-7 and answer the following questions.

1. According to Jesus, why was this man born blind? (Vs. 3)

2. What are the “works of God” that can be seen in this man’s life? (Vss. 3-7)

3. What significance would Jesus’ words that He is “the light of the world” have for the blind man?

A tragic contrast – The seeing are the blind

Read John 9:8 – 34

After the miracle of Jesus healing the blind man there is quite an uproar. We find that it has an effect not only on the blind man and his family but also on the neighbours who cannot understand this and even disagree with one another on whether it was a miracle or not. It also has an effect on the religious leaders, who are more concerned about the rules concerning the Sabbath than the fact that through a miracle this man’s whole life has been changed. It also opens a sub theme and that is the “division” that Jesus causes (again – light and darkness, following him or tuning away from him, believing or disbelieving).

Read John 9: 35-41

The consequences for the now seeing blind man are dire; because he believes he is banned from the synagogue (9:34). After being thrown out of the synagogue he is “found” by Jesus and brought to faith in Him (9:35-38). In the last three verses of John 9, Jesus uses the miracle to make a spiritual application. Now “seeing” and “blind” correspond to “light” and “darkness” correspond to..? (Can you complete the sentence?)

1. According to Jesus, why did He come into the world? (9:39)

2. Who are the so-called blind that are now able to see (9:39)

3. Who are those who could see but now are blind?

4. What did Jesus mean by saying, “but now that you claim that you can see, your guilt remains”? (9:41)

5. Why did Jesus say that the Pharisees’ guilt would remain? (9:41)

Let’s apply this for life change:

In what circumstances do you usually worship Jesus?

In what ways are people today spiritually blind?

Is there someone that you need to pray for that might be spiritually blind and needs God to open his/her eyes?

Walk in the light…

It is only after Jesus’ Triumphal entry into Jerusalem that he uses the image of himself as the light of the world again. In John 12:35-36 we get to know the light a little better.

Read John 12:35-36

1. A better translation of 12:36 would be: “Believe in the light while you have it…” How can we believe in the light?

2. What does it mean for us to “walk in the light”? (Cf. also Ephesians 5:8-13)

3. How do “people of the light” (12:36) look like (qualities)? (Cf. also 1 John 1:8-9)

…or in the darkness

We only have one of two possibilities according to John 12; we either walk in the light or in the darkness. Now John 12 continues to explain life and the consequences of life in the dark.

Read John 12: 35, 44-48

1. What, according to 12:35, do people who walk in the dark not know? What does this mean to you?

2. In 12:47-48 we read of three things that people who walk and live in the dark do, what are these three things? Are there consequences for doing these things?

3. Why doesn’t Jesus judge these people? (12:47)

4. Although Jesus doesn’t judge them there is something that does? (12:48)

Let’s apply this for life change:

  Jesus says: “I am the light of the world”. What blessing does this bring to you in your daily walk in this world?

Jesus says: “I am the light of the world”. What responsibilities does this place on your shoulders?

We cannot live in the light in our own strength, the power and ability to do that comes from God alone. Take time to pray and ask God to fill you with his light.