In this passage, we find the second of Jesus’ “I AM” statements in John. Jesus says, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). This statement reminds us of the lamps lighting up the temple that reminded the people of God’s eternal presence with them. The purpose of these lamps goes back to the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites. God went with them as a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night (cf. Exodus 13:21–22). With this Old Testament backdrop, Jesus proclaims that He is the light of the world. The people whom He meets will either choose darkness and reject Him, or they will choose the light and follow Him to eternal life.
This session is part 56 of the 365 Key Chapters of the Bible series, based on Ken’s Handbook to Scripture.
