The Light of the World

There are several themes running continuously through the Gospel of John. There is the recurring theme of blood, water, and Spirit. John also creates an interesting contrast of darkness and light. 

In the beginning, which is really the beginning of the Bible, John sets up a prologue. Look at how light and darkness are contrasted.

"In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

"And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 

"The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

"He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light" (John 1:4,5,7,8).

Then in chapter 3, we read of Nicodemus, who "came to Jesus by night" (John 3:2).

In chapter 4 we read of a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. The woman is surprised that Jesus, being a Jew, would even associate or speak with her. And this unlikely encounter, unlike the perhaps secret encounter with Nicodemus at night, occurs in broad daylight at high noon, the "sixth hour" (see John 4:6). 

In chapter 7, Nicodemus is mentioned again. He is referred to as "he that came to Jesus by night" (John 7:50).

In chapter 8, Jesus proclaims Himself by saying, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12).

In chapters 1 and 8, light is associated with life, and particularly eternal life.

In chapter 9, Jesus heals a man born blind. He said, "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

"As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world" (John 9:4-5).

In chapter 11 as Jesus goes to raise Lazarus from the dead, He says, "If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him" (John 11:9-10).

Backdrop for John 7 and 8

As John makes the contrast of light and darkness in chapters 7 and 8, there is an important event going on. It is the Feast of Tabernacles (Succoth)--the feast of all feasts (see John 7:2,37). There were two great events at the Feast of Tabernacles. The one was the drawing of water from the Pool of Siloam and its libation upon the altar of the temple, and the other was "the illumination of the temple courts by four golden candelabra" (Bible Dictionary, "Feasts"). It is in this temple setting where Jesus proclaims, "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12).

Light of the World in the Book of Mormon

The concept of light is highlighted in the Book of Mormon. At the birth of the Savior signs are given on the American Continent. "At the going down of the sun there was no darkness; and the people began to be astonished because there was no darkness when the night came" (3 Nephi 1:15).

At the crucifixion of the Savior, contrasting signs appeared.

"There was thick darkness upon all the face of the land, insomuch that the inhabitants thereof who had not fallen could feel the vapor of darkness;

"And there could be no light, because of the darkness, neither candles, neither torches; neither could there be fire kindled with their fine and exceedingly dry wood, so that there could not be any light at all;

"And there was not any light seen, neither fire, nor glimmer, neither the sun, nor the moon, nor the stars, for so great were the mists of darkness which were upon the face of the land" (3 Nephi 8:20-22).

As the Light of the World comes into the world, there can be no darkness. As the Light of the World leaves the world, there can be no light.

In verse 22 of the above verses, there is another important concept taught. In this verse, light is associated with glory. There is no light emanating from the sun, moon, or stars. In Doctrine and Covenants, section 76, and also 1 Corinthians, chapter 15, comparisons are made regarding celestial, terrestrial, and telestial states of glory, corresponding with the sun, moon, and stars.

The message is clear: There is no glory, not even telestial glory, without Christ!

Light and darkness cannot coexist. Light always dispels darkness, but no amount of darkness can overcome light. When light is present, the darkness must leave.

The message is clear: Jesus Christ, as the Light of the World, can and will overcome all things. If we are yoked to Him, we will be victorious.