As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world (John 9:5).
On a certain day as Jesus passed by, he saw a man who was blind from birth. His disciples, who were with Him, asked if the man’s blindness was a result of his sin or his parents’ sins. But Jesus replied that it had nothing to do with either the man’s or his parent’s sin (John 9:3). But then He made a remarkable statement in the fifth verse: “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
After saying this, Jesus did something mind-blowing: He spat on the ground, made clay with the spittle, and rubbed it into the man’s eyes. Historians tell us the man wasn’t just blind; he had no eyeballs but empty sockets. Jesus performed a miracle by turning clay into eyes, having said, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” Do you know what this means?
Every time Jesus used that expression, “I AM”, He was reiterating what God said to Moses when he asked, “What is your name?” and God said, “I AM.” God was saying to Moses, “I am whatever you need me to be. If you need deliverance, I am your deliverance. If you need salvation, I am your salvation. If you need healing, I am your healing. What is it you need? I AM.”
So, when Jesus said, “I AM…,” He was saying the same thing God said: “I am what you need.” He saw a man who didn’t have eyes and said, “I am the light of the world.” Remember what the Bible says, “The light of the body is the eye…” (Matthew 6:22, Luke 11:34). So, Jesus was saying, “I am the eyes of the world. Without me, the world can’t see.” Right away, He proved it and gave the man eyes.
Now, here’s the most intriguing part: the same Jesus said, “Ye are the light of the world…” (Matthew 5:14). That means, just like Him, you give “eyes”—sight—to the world! Without you, the world can’t see. You give direction, clarity, and vision to the world. Even now, boldly declare, “I am the light of the world!” It means that when you go out and meet someone who is down, you can lift such a person up. Someone can have his eyes restored just because you showed up; someone who was sick can get healed. Hallelujah!
Prayer / Confession
Dear Father, you’ve made me a light in this world; equipped and empowered to bring hope, healing, and deliverance to those around me. Your light in me dispels darkness. Thank you for making me an oasis of love and a haven of peace, joy, hope and faith in a troubled world; what a privilege! Thank you Father, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further study
Matthew 5:14-16; Ephesians 5:8; Philippians 2:15
1-year bible reading plan
2 Corinthians 3:7-18; 2 Corinthians 4:1-18; Proverbs 16-17
2-year bible reading plan
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; Jeremiah 23
