The Light of the World
Two Spiritual Realities Jesus Helps us See
Aaron Lee | March 30, 2025 | FCBCW Children’s Worship | John 8:12, John 9:5
Introduction
What does it mean that Jesus is the Light? It simply means that Jesus helps us see. You actually cannot see without light. The eye doesn’t just see objects; vision occurs when light enters your eyes. Our eyes help us see physical realities. Jesus helps us see spiritual realities.
There are two stories in the Bible that help us explain what it means that Jesus is the Light of the World. These are two ways that Jesus helps us see:
1. God’s path and salvation
First, Jesus helps us see God’s path and salvation. In the context leading up to this, Jesus’ disciples wanted Him to be seen at the Feast to perform miracles. But Jesus did not want to be seen in that way just yet.
The first story is about Jesus attending a celebration. Jesus went to a festival called the Feast of Booths, which celebrated God leading His people out of the wilderness. In the wilderness, Israel followed a pillar of smoke and fire for guidance. At the Feast of Booths, they lit huge pillars like candles, and all of Jerusalem could see the smoke and fire as a reminder of their history. Jesus went to the feast and began teaching. Here’s what people said about Him:
40 When they heard these words, some of the people said, “This really is the Prophet.” 41 Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Is the Christ to come from Galilee? 42 Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?” 43 So there was a division among the people over him. 44 Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him. (John 7:37-44)
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Jesus helps us see both the way we should walk as Christians and the way to become a Christian—the path to salvation, the way to be saved. Jesus was declaring that He fulfills all the Scriptures about God and salvation; He is the Son of God.
2. God’s presence and glory
Second, Jesus helps us see Gods’ presence and glory. The second story is about Jesus performing a miracle. Jesus healed a man born blind.
9 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud 7 and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. (John 9:1-7)
Later in the passage, the man shared what Jesus had done for him. God’s presence is tied to His glory. When you see Jesus—what He does and who He is—you see God’s glory.
Gospel
God’s path and salvation, His presence and glory, were most fully revealed at the cross. There was a prophecy in Isaiah that a great light would come from Galilee—a light of salvation and glory for all nations, both Jews and Gentiles, through Jesus:
…but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. (Isaiah 9:1-2)
Application
The first application is to walk in the light. We are to walk in the light just as Jesus is in the light. This means living in a way that reflects and shows who Jesus is, with our attitudes and actions. Think about where you can walk in the light of Christ: school, home, extracurricular activities.
5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:5-7)
The second application is to be the light of the world and shine the light to others. Jesus doesn’t just say that He is the light of the world—He says that we are the light of the world. We are to be lights who help others see God. Think about who you can shine your light to: friends, family, teammates and music members.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)
Big Idea
Jesus is the light of the world who helps us see God’s path and salvation, presence and glory.
Conclusion
God says we are able to see with our hearts. People need light to help them see. While the eyes help us see physical realities, spiritual realities are primarily for our hearts to perceive. What a privilege it is that we get to be light—not just for eyes, but for hearts to see. I pray that your eyes of your heart would be opened to love, know, and follow Jesus:
18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints (Ephesians 1:18)