Light of the World

Light of the World is a phrase Jesus used to describe himself and his disciples in the New Testament.[1]

In John 8:12 Jesus applies the title to himself while debating with the Jews and states:[1]

“ I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. ”

Jesus again claims to be Light of the World in John 9:5, during the miracle of healing the blind at birth, saying: [2]

When I am in the world, I am the Light of the World.

This episode leads into John 9:39 where Jesus metaphorically explains that he came to this world, so that the blind may see.[2]

In the Christological context, the use of the title Light of the World is similar to the Bread of Life title in John 6:35 where Jesus states: “I am the bread of life: he who comes to me shall not hunger.”[3] These assertions build on the Christological theme of John 5:26 where Jesus claims to possess life just as the Father does and provide it to those who follow him.[3][4] The term “Life of the World” is applied in the same sense by Jesus to himself in John 6:51.[2]

This application of “light compared with darkness” also appears in 1 John 1:5 which applies it to God and states: “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”[5]

Jesus also used that term to refer to his disciples in Matthew 5:14:[1]

“ You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.[6] ”

This application of "light compared with darkness" also appears in 1 John 1:5 which applies it to God and states: "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all."[7]

In the non-canonical Gospel of Thomas, a used similar phrase appears:

“ There is light within a man of light, and he lights up the whole world. If he does not shine, he is darkness.[8] ”

The term “Light of the World” is closely related to the parables of Salt and Light and Lamp under a bushel.

See also

Reference

  1. ^ a b c Names and Titles of the Lord Jesus Christ by Charles Spear 2003 ISBN 0766174670 page 226
  2. ^ a b c New Testament christology by Frank J. Matera 1999 ISBN 0664256945 page 235
  3. ^ a b Christology in Context by Marinus de Jonge 1988 ISBN 9780664250102 page 147
  4. ^ The person of Christ by Gerrit Cornelis Berkouwer 1954 ISBN 0802848168 page 163
  5. ^ John by H. A. Ironside 2006 ISBN 0825429153 pages 199-202
  6. ^ Matthew 5:14–16, New International Version
  7. ^ John by H. A. Ironside 2006 ISBN 0825429153 pages 199-202
  8. ^ Gospel of Thomas, 24
Christianity