These notes accompany the sermon found here.

Jesus Is the Light

• Concerning Jesus, John 1:4, 3:19-21, 8:12, 9:5, 11:9-10, 12:35-36, 12:46; Matthew 4:15-16; Isaiah 9:2. Concerning John, John 1:7-8, 5:35.

Creation

• See John 1:1, 5, 9; Genesis 1:3-4; Revelation 22:5; Psalm 148:4-5.

Life

• See John 1:4; Exodus 10:23, 13:21.

Revelation

• See John 1:5, 15, 18; Luke 2:9; Matthew 2:9-10; Acts 9:3, 12:7; Hebrews 1:1-3; Exodus 25:37; Leviticus 24:2; 1 Kings 7:49; 2 Chronicles 4:20; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6; Psalm 119:105, 119:130, 43:3; 2 Peter 1:19.

Sanctification / Holiness

• Light used as imagery for the glory or the presence of God – Psalm 104:1-2, 139:12; 2 Chronicles 5:13-14; Exodus 24:15-18, 34:29.
• The faithful are light / in the light: John 3:20; 1 John 1:5-7; 2 Samuel 23:4; Romans 13:12; Ephesians 5:8-9; Philippians 2:15; Psalm 27:1, 97:11, 112:4; Proverbs 4:18; Job 29:3; Daniel 5:14.

Summary

“In all of the Bible’s references to light, light is not self-generated. It comes (usually unbidden) from outside the earthly and human sphere and transforms that sphere with a transcendent splendor. As a symbol light thus pictures the simultaneous transcendence and immanence of God: it is from above, but it permeates everyday life.”

— Ryken, Leland, et al. Dictionary of Biblical Imagery, Electronic ed., InterVarsity Press, 2000.

Encouragements

• Light is an image of the inevitable victory in Jesus Christ. John 1:5.
• To the extent we partake of Jesus Christ in His Word, meet Him in prayer, fellowship with Him in the church, we expose ourselves to His light, and He drives the darkness from us.