Jesus: The Light of the World – SS1 Christian Religious Studies Lesson Note (First Term)

Jesus is the light of the world: this is how he described himself in the Gospel according to Saint John.

Behavioural objectives

1. Explain why light is important to mankind.
2. State the three occasions on which Jesus spoke of himself as the light of the world in the Gospel of John.
3. Explain what Jesus taught in Matthew 5:14-16 about his followers being the light of the world.
4. State the lessons we learn from Jesus as the light of the world.

What does “Jesus is the light of the world” mean?

It means Jesus brings the truth and salvation of God to people living in spiritual darkness.

• The light: the Gospel of the kingdom of God, which Jesus preached.
• Gospel: the good news that God saves people through Jesus Christ.
• Those who receive him: they must also shine, so that others give glory to God.

Why is light important?

Light is important because it removes darkness and makes life and movement possible.

• Removes darkness: where light is present, darkness disappears.
• Gives life: plants, animals and people depend on light to live and grow.
• Shows the way: a person with light can see the road and does not stumble.
• Exposes evil: evil deeds are usually done in the dark, and light brings them into the open.

What do light and darkness stand for in the Bible?

In the Bible, light stands for God and all that is good, while darkness stands for sin and all that is against God.

When did Jesus speak of himself as the light of the world?

The Gospel according to Saint John records three occasions in this topic: John 3:19-21, John 8:12 and John 9:5.

• Source: the Gospel according to Saint John.
• Link to the Gospel: in each one, Jesus presents himself as the one who brings light to people in darkness.

1. After the conversation with Nicodemus (John 3:19-21)

• Setting: Nicodemus, a Pharisee (a Jewish religious leader), came to Jesus at night.
• Teaching: light has come into the world, but men loved darkness because their deeds were evil.
• Words of Jesus: “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.”
• Meaning: people who do evil avoid the light, while those who do the truth come to it.

2. After the woman caught in adultery was released (John 8:12)

• Setting: Jesus had sent the woman away without condemning her.
• Teaching: whoever follows Jesus will not walk in darkness.
• Words of Jesus: “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
• Meaning: following Jesus gives the light of life.

3. At the healing of the man born blind (John 9:5)

• Setting: the disciples saw a man blind from birth and asked whether his blindness came from his own sin or his parents’ sin.
• Teaching: Jesus explained to his disciples that the blindness was not a punishment, and that the works of God would be shown in the man (John 9:3).
• Words of Jesus: “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
• Meaning: Jesus gives sight to the blind, and he is the light for all who are in spiritual darkness.

What is the summary of the three occasions?

How can believers be the light of the world?

Believers are the light of the world when they receive Jesus and let others see his light in their good works.

• Why Jesus taught it: he knew he would not remain in the world physically for long.
• What he taught: those who receive him also become the light of the world.
• Purpose: they must shine so that people give glory to God.

What did Jesus teach in Matthew 5:14-16?

• Words of Jesus: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

What does the teaching mean?

• City on a hill: a believer’s life should be open for all to see.
• Candle under a bushel: a light covered by a basket is useless, so faith must not be hidden.
• Candle on a candlestick: a lamp on a stand gives light to everyone in the house.
• Good works: people see the good deeds of believers and praise God.

How can a Christian shine?

• Honesty: telling the truth and refusing bribes or cheating in school and at work.
• Love: showing kindness to neighbours, including those who are not Christians.
• Helping others: caring for the poor, the sick and the needy.
• Good example: living in a way that makes others want to follow Christ.
• Sharing the Gospel: telling others about Jesus and the kingdom of God.

What are the lessons from Jesus as the light of the world?

The lessons teach us to receive the light of Jesus and to let it shine through our lives.

1. The light Jesus brings is the Gospel of the kingdom of God, which everyone must embrace to be saved and to inherit eternal life.
2. God is light (1 John 1:5), so a life of darkness and sin is a life away from God and under the power of the devil.
3. Anyone who walks in darkness will stumble and finally miss the way.
4. We are encouraged to receive the light that Jesus has brought to the world.
5. Those who receive the light must shine so that others see their good works and glorify God.

Evaluation

1. State the three occasions on which Jesus spoke of himself as the light of the world in the Gospel of John.
2. According to John 3:19-21, why did men love darkness rather than light?
3. What did Jesus tell his followers in Matthew 5:14-16?
4. What is the light that Jesus brings to the world?

Assignment

Using John 3:19-21 and John 8:12, write short answers to two questions: what is the consequence of walking in darkness, and what will happen to those who reject Jesus the light of the world?