Jesus as the Light of the World for SS 1

Jesus the Light of the World

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. discuss Jesus as the light of the world;
2. explain ways to walk in the light;
3. explain the benefits of walking in the light;
4. explain the consequences of walking in darkness.

Memory Verse

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (John 8:12 KJV)

Bible Reading

The principal Bible passages supporting this lesson are:

1. John 3:19
2. John 8:12
3. John 9:4-5
4. John 12:35-36
5. 1 John 1:5-6

Jesus as the Light of the World

Jesus declared Himself to be “the Light of the World” (John 8:12). This statement is central to understanding His mission and identity. In the Bible, light often symbolises truth, purity, guidance, life, and salvation, while darkness represents sin, ignorance, evil, and spiritual death.

When Jesus calls Himself the Light of the World, He means that He is the source of spiritual illumination for humanity. He reveals God’s truth, exposes sin, and shows the way to eternal life. Without Him, humanity would remain in spiritual darkness, unable to find their way to God or understand His will.

The Gospel of John highlights this contrast between light and darkness. John 3:19 states that “this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” This verse shows that people often prefer to remain in their sinful ways, which are hidden by darkness, rather than come into the light where their actions would be exposed.

Jesus also emphasised the urgency of His mission as the Light. In John 9:4-5, He said, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” This indicates that His presence on Earth was a unique opportunity for people to receive spiritual light and guidance before a time when such direct access would no longer be available.

Ways to Walk in the Light

Walking in the light means living a life that reflects God’s character and truth, guided by Jesus’ teachings. It involves a conscious decision to follow Christ and reject the ways of darkness. The Bible provides clear instructions on how believers can walk in the light:

1. Believe in Jesus: John 12:35-36 encourages people to “walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you… While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light.” Believing in Jesus means accepting Him as Lord and Saviour, trusting in His words, and committing to His way of life.
2. Live in Truth and Honesty: 1 John 1:6 states, “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.” Walking in the light requires living truthfully, being honest in all dealings, and avoiding deception. It means aligning one’s words and actions with God’s truth.
3. Confess Sins: The same passage in 1 John 1:7-9 explains that if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Walking in the light involves acknowledging and confessing sins to God, seeking His forgiveness, and striving to turn away from sinful practices.
4. Obey God’s Commandments: Jesus’ teachings are the light that guides believers. Walking in the light means obeying His commandments, which include loving God and loving one’s neighbour. This obedience demonstrates a commitment to His truth and righteousness.
5. Have Fellowship with God and Other Believers: When people walk in the light, they have fellowship with God and with other believers (1 John 1:7). This means maintaining a close relationship with God through prayer and Bible study, and actively participating in the Christian community, supporting and encouraging one another.

Benefits of Walking in the Light

Walking in the light brings numerous spiritual and practical benefits to a believer’s life. These benefits are a direct result of living in alignment with God’s truth and guidance:

1. Fellowship with God: One of the primary benefits is having true fellowship with God (1 John 1:7). When believers walk in the light, their relationship with God is unhindered by sin, allowing for deeper communion and understanding of His will.
2. Cleansing from Sin: The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses believers from all sin when they walk in the light (1 John 1:7). This means continuous forgiveness and purification from sin, ensuring a clear conscience and spiritual freedom.
3. Spiritual Guidance and Direction: Jesus, as the Light, provides clear guidance for life. Those who follow Him “shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). This light illuminates their path, helping them make wise decisions and navigate life’s challenges according to God’s plan.
4. Truth and Understanding: Walking in the light leads to a deeper understanding of God’s truth. It dispels spiritual ignorance and confusion, allowing believers to discern right from wrong and understand biblical principles more clearly.
5. Peace and Joy: A life lived in the light, free from the burden of unconfessed sin and guided by God, brings inner peace and lasting joy. This peace comes from knowing one is in a right relationship with God.
6. Eternal Life: Ultimately, walking in the light leads to eternal life with God. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and those who follow His light will inherit everlasting life.

Consequences of Walking in Darkness

Just as there are benefits to walking in the light, there are severe consequences for choosing to walk in darkness. These consequences affect a person’s spiritual well-being, relationship with God, and eternal destiny:

1. Separation from God: God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5). Walking in darkness means living contrary to God’s nature, which leads to separation from Him. This spiritual separation prevents true fellowship and communion.
2. Spiritual Blindness and Ignorance: Those who walk in darkness are spiritually blind. They cannot see God’s truth, understand His ways, or discern His will. This ignorance leads to poor choices and a life devoid of divine wisdom.
3. Stumbling and Confusion: Without the light of Christ, people stumble through life, making mistakes and falling into sin. John 12:35 warns that “darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.” This leads to confusion, aimlessness, and a lack of purpose.
4. Bondage to Sin: Darkness is associated with sin and evil. Those who walk in darkness remain enslaved to their sinful desires and habits, unable to break free from their destructive patterns.
5. Condemnation and Judgment: John 3:19 states that the preference for darkness over light brings condemnation. Walking in darkness ultimately leads to God’s judgment and eternal punishment, as it signifies a rejection of the salvation offered through Jesus Christ.
6. Lack of Peace and Inner Turmoil: A life lived in darkness is often characterised by inner turmoil, guilt, fear, and a lack of true peace. The absence of God’s light leaves a person vulnerable to anxiety and despair.