John 1:9 states, “The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.” This verse refers to Jesus Christ as the “true light” that came into the world. But what exactly does it mean that Jesus is the “true light”? Let’s explore this concept further.
1. Jesus reveals the truth about God
Jesus came to reveal the truth about who God is. Throughout His ministry, Jesus taught extensively about God’s character and nature. He displayed God’s love, mercy, righteousness, and holiness through His words, actions, and miracles. Jesus said, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). He perfectly reflected God’s glory and truth to us (Hebrews 1:3). In this way, Jesus lights up our understanding of who God really is.
2. Jesus shows us the way to God
Sin had severed our relationship with God. We were stumbling in spiritual darkness, unable to find God on our own. Jesus came as the true light to show us the way back to God. He said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Through His sacrificial death on the cross for our sins, Jesus opened up the way for us to be reconciled with God. He lights up the path so we can come to God.
3. Jesus gives spiritual life to those who believe in Him
Apart from Christ, we are spiritually dead because of sin. But Jesus came to give spiritual life to those who believe in Him. John 1:4 states, “In him was life, and the life was the light of men.” Jesus said, “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). When we place our faith in Christ, we pass from spiritual death into new spiritual life. His life and light shine in our hearts, illuminating us from within.
4. Jesus exposes sin and hypocrisy
As the true light, Jesus reveals and exposes sin, deception, and hypocrisy. His light shines into the darkness of men’s hearts, showing their depravity and need for salvation. The Pharisees claimed to be righteous, but Jesus exposed their hypocrisy. He declared that tax collectors and prostitutes would enter God’s kingdom before them, because they recognized their need for repentance (Matthew 21:31). The light of Christ pierces through facades and falsehoods.
5. Jesus gives moral direction and guidance
Jesus came as the light of the world to give us moral clarity and direction for life. He illuminated God’s standards of righteousness in His teaching. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is filled with specific moral instruction and guidance. Jesus taught us to love our enemies, control our anger, uphold marriage, keep our word, practice selfless giving, and much more. His wise words shine light on how we should live in a dark world.
6. Jesus will enlighten the new creation
When Jesus returns, He will establish a new heavens and new earth filled with righteousness and the glory of God (2 Peter 3:13). There will be no more darkness, sin, suffering, tears, pain, or death (Revelation 21:4). Jesus Christ Himself will be the light of this new creation. Revelation 21:23 states, “And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” The light of Jesus will illuminate the eternal state.
7. Jesus brings us out of darkness into light
Colossians 1:13 says God “has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.” Through Christ, we are rescued from the realm of Satan’s dominion and brought into God’s kingdom of light. Jesus frees us from slavery to sin and fear of death (Hebrews 2:15). He forgives our sins, adopts us as children of God, redeems us from condemnation, and gives us eternal life. We now walk in His marvelous light instead of darkness.
8. Jesus enables us to shine His light to others
Followers of Jesus now carry His light within us. He declared, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). As we grow in faith, Jesus empower us to reflect His light to those around us. We proclaim the gospel, serve others, make disciples, love our enemies, and do good works so that God is glorified. His light in us brings hope to the hopeless. We spread the light of Christ wherever there is spiritual darkness.
9. Jesus will return as the conquering light
When Jesus returns, He will come with great power and glory to judge the world in righteousness. His light will utterly defeat all evil, injustice, and ungodliness. 2 Thessalonians 2:8 says, “The Lord Jesus will overthrow [the lawless one] with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.” Darkness will be vanquished forever. The eternal state will be filled only with the brilliant, undimmed light of Christ.
In summary, Jesus coming as the true light means He illuminates the truth about God, shows us the only way to salvation, gives spiritual life to believers, exposes all sin and hypocrisy, provides moral guidance for life, and will enlighten the new creation. All who trust in Him are brought out of darkness and enabled to reflect His light in a fallen world. One day, He will return to banish all darkness forever and establish His kingdom of eternal light.