JESUS, THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

December 11, 2023

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; the one who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” John 8:12

Each chapter in the book of John highlights a wonderful characteristic of Jesus. Use this to start your own study of John – a chapter a day will get you finished before the New Year. This list was referenced from my study in the Thompson-Chain Reference Bible. Find your favorite Bible translation and take time to meditate on Jesus. 

 
1. HE IS THE SON OF GOD. At the beginning, John acknowledges Jesus’ deity (John 1:1, 14). 

2. HE IS THE SON OF MAN. Jesus illustrates His humanity by appearing as a guest at a wedding where He turned water into wine as His first miracle (John 2:1-12). 

3. HE IS THE DIVINE TEACHER. Just like Jesus brought clarity to Nicodemus about salvation, He wants to guide us out of deception and into truth (John 3:3). 

4. HE IS A SOUL WINNER. Jesus came to seek and save that which is lost. When we follow Him, He’ll make us soul winners too (Luke 19:10; John 4:7-42).  

5. HE IS THE CHIEF PHYSICIAN. Jesus forgives sins; He heals bodies – That’s the amazing one-two punch of redemption (John 5:1-24).

6. HE IS THE BREAD OF LIFE. Jesus is our sustenance and provision – the One who meets our needs (John 6:35). 

7. HE IS THE WATER OF LIFE. Jesus said, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'” (John 7:37-38).

8. HE IS THE DEFENDER OF THE WEAK. After a woman was caught in the act of adultery and people were picking up stones to kill her, Jesus said, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” Then, after everyone had left, Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on do not sin any longer.” (John 8:7, 11).

9. HE IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. Jesus demonstrates His right to this distinction by giving sight to one born blind. Jesus brings clarity and exposes deception. He then calls us to be the light of the world (John 9:1-11; Matthew 5:14).

10. HE IS THE GOOD SHEPHERD. John 10 is a retelling of Psalm 23, showing how Jesus watches over us and tends to us with infinite care.

11. HE IS THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE. Jesus proved His right to this title when He called, “Lazarus, come out!” and Lazarus rose from the dead. Jesus is still calling to life those things that are dead (John 11:43; Romans 4:17).

12. HE IS THE KING. Jesus rode in on colt on Palm Sunday as the multitudes declared Him the King of Israel (John 12:13-14).

13. HE IS THE SERVANT. When Jesus washed the disciples’ feet in a marvelous example of divine condescension, He revealed that He didn’t come to be served but to serve (John 13:5-17; Mark 10:45). 

14. HE IS THE CONSOLER. Even in the shadow of the cross, Jesus comforted His sad disciples. That’s our Savior (John 14:1).

15. HE IS THE TRUE VINE. Detachment from God creates dryness like a tumbleweed where you don’t have root and you don’t have fruit. But attachment to God creates abundant fruitfulness (John 15:5). 

16. HE IS THE GIVER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. Jesus promised to send another Helper at His departure. When we are Spirit-filled, we receive power (John 16:7; Acts 1:8).

17. HE IS OUR GREAT INTERCESSOR. Jesus is our advocate, praying 24/7 and covering us with supernatural help (John 17:1-26; Hebrews 7:25).

18. HE IS THE MODEL OF OBEDIENCE. Jesus submitted to the Father and drank the bitter cup of suffering, saying, “not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42; John 18:4).

19. HE IS THE UPLIFTED SAVIOR. Jesus said, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to Myself.” (John 12:32). Because He was obedient, we are set free (John 19:30).

20. HE IS THE CONQUEROR OF DEATH ITSELF. Not only did Jesus raise people from the dead, He was defiant and rose from the dead Himself (John 20:1-29). 

21. HE IS THE RESTORER OF ALL THINGS. Jesus welcomed the wandering but repentant Peter after he had denied knowing Jesus. We’ve all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. But God restores us and erases our sins (John 21:7-17; Romans 3:23). 

 
PRAY THIS PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, I’m coming into Your presence with commitment, renewal, and expectancy. You’re so faithful. Thank You for accepting me. Thank You for forgiving me. Thank You for using me. Send me out into the harvest field. I go out with joy and am led forth with peace (Isaiah 55:12). Amen! 

God Bless you! 
Pastor Jeff Perry

^{Copyright © 2023 St. Louis Family Church, All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved. Thompson, Frank Charles, editor. NASB Thompson Chain-Reference Bible, 1977 Text. ZONDERVAN, 2021. p.1365-1401}