Jesus is the Light
There is only one source of truth–Jesus Christ. Follow Him for He is the light of the world. You will never again walk in darkness.
The nature of light
Jesus knew that mankind was living in a state of darkness. God gave men over to a depraved mind to live in darkness because they didn’t think it was worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God. (Romans 1:28) But God, who is rich in mercy, sent His Son Jesus into the world to reveal Himself to a lost world. If we follow Jesus, we will live in the light of the truth.
After Jesus refused to condemn the woman caught in the act of adultery (John 8:1-11), He told the people, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
The word light in the New Testament is used as an image of both holiness and illumination. Light also, most significantly, characterizes Jesus, who is the light that shines in the darkness, bringing life. People can recognize their lost condition, come to God, and find their way to a righteous life only through Jesus. They are released from darkness and given “the light of life”, which is eternal life.
God is true light
The earth was formless and empty, and darkness was over the face of the waters before God formed it for us to live in. His first decree was, ” ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. (Genesis 1:2-3) This light probably came from God Himself, who is light (John 1:5), since the luminaries weren’t created until day four. God wraps Himself in light like a garment (Psalm 104:2).
And at the end of the ages, there will be no more night in the New Jerusalem. God’s servants, who inhabit the City, will no longer need any source of light other than the Lord God Himself, who will always give them light (Revelation 22:5)
Plato’s Allegory of the Cave
Plato’s famous Allegory of the Cave reveals his theory of knowledge. Plato supposes some men are chained in a cave so that they can only see the shadows of objects on the cave wall in front of them. Consequently, they come to believe the shadows are the real things, not knowing that the real objects exist only outside of the cave.
In the Allegory, the cave symbolizes the world of opinion, while the outside world represents the world of knowledge. Plato said that the natural place for men is ignorance. Rocked by the senses and prejudice, most men live under the yoke of opinion. Therefore, there needs to be a revolution in the way of seeing the world and to change their perspective to get rid of men’s opinions or preferences.
Scripture agrees with Plato’s conclusion that man is in a place of ignorance. The Bible goes on to say that this is a form of willful ignorance. Paul writes that men suppress the truth by their wickedness and exchange the truth of God for a lie (Romans 1:18b, 25a). Jesus Christ came into the world to pierce the darkness and dispel the lies. “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him…” (Col. 1:19). So, follow Jesus for He is the light of the world.
The miracle of Jesus’ transfiguration
Peter, James, and John witnessed firsthand the glory of Jesus. Jesus took them up a high mountain, and there He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun and His clothes became white as light. Just at that moment, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking to Jesus about His departure, which He was about to fulfill at Jerusalem. Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:1-2, Mark 9:7, Luke 9:30)
The transfiguration is a unique miracle that happens to Jesus Himself. It further reveals Him to be the Son of God, and is attested to by God the Father’s audible pronouncement. Jesus is indeed the light of the world.
The image of the glorified Christ in heaven
God gave the Apostle John a revelation about the things to come. John saw someone like a “son of man” walking among the seven golden lampstands. In his description of the glorified Jesus Christ, John says His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance (Rev 1:16b). There’s no darkness in Him.
The term “son of man” refers to the vision given to the prophet Daniel about the day of judgment when one like a son of man [Christ] was led into the presence of the Ancient of Days. “He [Christ] was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed” (Daniel 7:14).
Following Jesus, the Light of the World
Follow Jesus for He is the light of the world. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). The Apostle Paul says, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers” (Romans 8:29).
We will shine like stars as we follow Jesus Christ. His light radiates from within, whereas our light is a reflection of His. Follow Jesus, for He is the light of the world.
Ask yourself two very important questions. First, are you sure that you’ll go to heaven when you die? Secondly, are you certain why God should let you into heaven? If you don’t know for sure, you can settle that matter today. Visit my post, How to Begin Your Life Over Again and you’ll know where and how you’ll spend eternity.
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