Children of Light: How to Live Your New IdentitySample

Jesus Is the Light of the World

Jesus is the Light of the World and He’s inviting us to become like Him.

Over the next three days, we'll explore this idea piece by piece so we can know who Jesus is—like really, confidently know. We’ll learn who we are because of Him. And, we’ll discover how to play our part in His good plans for the world.

Because here’s the truth: our identity informs our activity. This is true for every human who has walked the face of the earth—including Jesus. His identity as the Savior King and Son of God, the Life that brings light to the world, informed everything He said and did.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1-5 NIV

Jesus is the Word—the divine wisdom and supreme logic that governs creation. He’s the source of light and life. And when Jesus shines in the darkness, the darkness can’t stop Him.

Who Jesus is informed how He lived. He spoke to the wind and waves, bringing peace to chaos. He walked on water. He went toe-to-toe with the religious people who thought they knew all the right answers, revealing truth and wisdom to them. He proclaimed good news to the poor and overlooked. Jesus brought life where death had taken hold. He healed the sick, cleansed the lepers, opened the eyes of the blind, and raised the dead.

Jesus, as the Light of the World, boldly went where it was darkest so that we could have the hope of life. He went to death’s home turf and laid down His life on a cross. But three days later, He walked out of the grave, leaving death and darkness in the dust! The darkness had not overcome Him.

Here’s what Jesus has to say about Himself:

“I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” Revelation 1:18 NIV

I hold the keys to death. That vivid language means that Jesus won the power to free those held captive by darkness.

This is who Jesus is: the Light of the World who has overcome death and darkness.

So, what does He do? He sets captives free.

Pray/Journal: Jesus’ identity informs His activity. He’s still the Light of the World who has overcome death and darkness, and He’s still setting captives free. Do you need to be free? Is there a part of your life—small or overwhelmingly big—where darkness has a hold on you? Name it and ask Jesus to bring life and freedom to that place.

Prayer: Jesus, I believe You are who You say You are. Thank You for overcoming death and darkness, and for sharing Your victory with us. I need Your help and Your hope. I want to experience the freedom You offer. So, I open myself to You. Expose the places where I have been trapped in darkness and lead me into Your light. I will follow You. Amen.