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We finally get to the place where we started when I decided to fill in the God is Light study for the Characteristics of God series. Jesus is the Light. We first looked at this in the I AM study when Jesus said, “I AM the Light of the World” (John 8:12). In that study, we were focused specifically on Jesus’ I AM statement. In this lesson of the God is Light study, we’ll expand that focus to see Jesus as light throughout the Bible. This week, we’ll focus on Jesus’ life on earth. Next week, we’ll focus on Jesus’ life after his resurrection.
Prophecies about Jesus as Light
The idea of Jesus as light began before he was even born. Isaiah the prophet called Jesus a Great Light that would shine in the darkness.
Isaiah 9:2: The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.
Matthew 4:16 confirms that this prophecy was about Jesus just as Jesus started his ministry. John 1 also referred to Jesus as a light before Jesus’ birth.
John 1:4-9: 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.
Light at Jesus’ Birth and Early Life
John 1 tells us that this light that shines in the darkness was coming into the world. We see this at Jesus’ birth. In Part 3 of this series, we saw that light was sent to announce Jesus’ birth, both to the shepherds (Luke 2) and to the wisemen (Matthew 2).
When Jesus was presented at the temple when he was about 40 days old (according to the law given in Leviticus 12), Simeon, a righteous and devout man (Luke 2:25), was moved by the Spirit and said this when he encountered the young Jesus:
Luke 2:29-32: 29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
Simeon recognized Jesus as the light that had come into this world, even when Jesus was just a baby.
Light During Jesus’ Ministry
During Jesus’ ministry, he often referred to himself as a light sent to bring people out of darkness. The book of John shows us this theme clearly. Jesus proclaims that he is the light that has come into the world.
John 8:12: 12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 9:5: While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
John 3:19-21: 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.
John 12:46: I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
Jesus came as a light to the world so that people would no longer have to live in the darkness that this world offers. Those who love the world and who cling to sin are walking in darkness. Jesus has come to expose that sin and bring people into the light of truth and life.
But Jesus warned the people that he would not be with them very long. In fact, darkness would once again overtake the world, but if we believe in Jesus as the light, we can be children of light even when the rest of the world is in darkness.
John 12:35-36: 35 Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. 36 Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
Light at Jesus’ Transfiguration
The true glory of Jesus as light was made evident to his closest disciples at his transfiguration, when Jesus met with Moses and Elijah on a mountain.
Matthew 17:1-5: 17 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.
4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”
5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
At the transfiguration, Jesus’ true light appeared. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. The version in Luke 9 says that Peter, James, and John recognized this as Jesus’ glory.
Not only Jesus appeared as light, but God himself appeared in a bright cloud, just as he had done for the Israelites as they wandered in the wilderness.
Light at Jesus’ Resurrection
Jesus’ resurrection was also announced with light. The disciples and the rest of Jesus’ followers had just witnessed the darkest day in history. Not only was Jesus crucified in a tortuous death, but the sky became black in the middle of the day. So it seems only right that Jesus’ resurrection was announced with light.
Matthew 28:1-10: 28 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
Conclusion
From before his birth here on earth and throughout his ministry, Jesus is described as light. He was the light that came into this world to shine in the darkness. Both his birth and his resurrection were announced with light. Light pervaded his ministry, because light is the essence of who Jesus is. Next week, we’ll see that Jesus’ light continues to shine as he reigns in heaven.
Premium Resources
Each individual characteristic of God study will come with two resources: a word search just for fun (including an answer key), and a list of verses for if you want to investigate that individual characteristic of God more completely.
You can access these resources by clicking here: God Is Light Resources
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