In a world filled with darkness, Jesus offers us something remarkable: His light. As we conclude our Southside Methodist Church series on the seven “I Am” sayings of Jesus, we explore His powerful declaration:
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
When Darkness Feels Overwhelming
Many of us can relate to childhood fears of darkness. Remember those nights when shadows seemed to move, and every creak in the house sparked your imagination? That small hallway light bringing comfort in the darkness is a powerful picture of what Jesus offers us spiritually.
At Southside Methodist Church in Jacksonville, Florida, we believe Jesus isn’t just talking about physical light. He’s referring to something far deeper, a transforming spiritual power that brings clarity, peace, and new life to every believer.
Light From the Beginning of Creation
In Genesis, we read that God said, “Let there be light,” before He even created the sun and moon. How could this be? Because Jesus, who was present at creation, is Himself the Light. This isn’t just about luminosity, it’s about the power of true life, the Zoe life we find only in Christ.
The Choices Before Us: Light or Darkness?
Throughout the “I Am” sayings, Jesus presents us with clear choices: truth or lies, life or death, light or darkness.
Jesus is the Way vs. Lostness
Jesus is the Truth vs. Falsehood
Jesus is the Life vs. Death
Jesus is the Bread of Life vs. Spiritual junk food
Jesus is the Gate vs. Closed doors
Jesus is the Good Shepherd vs. False shepherds
Jesus is the Vine vs. Disconnection and withering
Jesus is the Light vs. Darkness
The choice should be simple, yet so often, even those of us in the church find ourselves tempted by the shadows of the world.
Why Do We Choose Darkness?
The darkness Jesus speaks about isn’t merely the absence of light; it’s the presence of sin. As Scripture says, “Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19).
At Southside Church, we know that overcoming darkness requires more than willpower; it requires divine transformation.
Children of Light, Not Darkness
For followers of Christ, our identity is no longer tied to the night. “You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness” (1 Thessalonians 5:5).
When we walk with Jesus, we walk in His light. This isn’t about perfection, it’s about direction. At Southside Methodist Church, we encourage our church family to continually bring every area of life under Christ’s light and truth.
The Promise of Following Jesus
Jesus promises that “whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” That’s not just a warning, it’s an invitation to abundant living. As we follow Him, we experience freedom, fellowship, and the full life He offers to every believer.
At Southside, we see that promise lived out each week, in worship, in small groups, and in the lives of people who have discovered the joy of walking in His light.
Finding Freedom from Darkness
“If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).
That’s the beauty of grace: when we bring our darkness into the light of Jesus Christ, we find forgiveness, community, and hope. The light of Southside’s sanctuary every Sunday morning isn’t just symbolic; it’s a reflection of the Light of the World shining through His people.
Life Application
This week, take a moment to reflect:
What areas of darkness am I still entertaining?
Am I walking in the light or trying to live in both worlds?
What step can I take today to fully embrace Jesus as the Light of my world?
At Southside Methodist Church, we invite you to worship, learn, and grow in the light of Christ. Whether you join us in person in Jacksonville or online, you’ll find a community ready to walk beside you as together we Learn, love, and Live Jesus.
