One of the first metaphors in the Bible a Christian might learn about is Jesus being “the light.” What does that mean, and why is it important?
Many of the symbols and metaphors used in the Bible were to help people easily understand the principles being taught. Most everyone has experienced not being able to see in darkness. It can feel scary and overwhelming.
The transformation to the darkness that happens when light is introduced is significant! Even just a little bit of light helps us navigate and see things as they are. When a place is fully illuminated, it makes all the difference.
These Bible verses about Jesus being the light demonstrate this principle in our spiritual lives. Scripture can help encourage our spiritual walk as we follow Christ.
Why Walk in the Light of Christ?
It’s understandable why you might not want to walk around in a dark room. You don’t want to navigate a room full of unknowns, with obstacles ready to trip you up without notice.
Yet our lives can feel full of darkness. We live in a world that can be very dark. Just a little time spent reading or listening to the news demonstrates this truth!
And when we don’t allow Christ to change our heart, parts of our lives can be lived in darkness, trying to hide our true selves from others and God.
When we embrace a life of following Christ, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, we walk in the light of Christ. These Bible verses about Jesus being the light, and walking in His light, show us why we should desire to walk in light and not darkness.
Bible Verses About Jesus Being The Light
In Old Testament and New Testament times, they were so far away from being able to walk in a room and flip on a light switch. Light more commonly came from an oil lamp, a fire, or the sun or moon. This metaphor could hold more meaning to a society where light came at a price.
Jesus refers to being the light several times in the New Testament.
“Again, therefore, Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.'” – John 8:12
How meaningful it must have been to the people when they heard this! Jerusalem Artists Company mentions that poorer people would not have had enough oil to keep their lamp lit at night. Many who heard Jesus speak would have known how hard it is to walk at night.
Jesus brings light to a world of darkness. He has “overcome this world” (John 16:33). The Pharisees challenged Him on being the light; they could not imagine that Jesus was who He said. Also, He threatened their grip on religious power in their society.
Jesus offers us His power to walk by His light, and not the law that the Pharisees hoped would save them.
“Jesus therefore said to them, ‘Yet a little while the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, that darkness doesn’t overtake you. He who walks in the darkness doesn’t know where he is going.'” – John 12:35
Jesus was speaking to the crowd, who maybe wanted to believe that He was the Messiah, but just couldn’t grasp it or take the step of faith to do so. He urged them to continue to walk with Him, not losing the spiritual battle where the darkness would overtake them.
“I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in the darkness.” – John 12:46
Our Lord knew that He could transform the lives of those who would believe in Him. The difference would be as night is to day, as darkness is to light. We can let Him shine light in our hearts to change us, that we would honor Him.
“Because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the dawn from on high will visit us, to shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death; to guide our feet into the way of peace.” – Luke 1:78–79
Shadows in dark places, even during the day, can seem scary.
We can have shadowy places in our hearts, full of grudges, harmful habits, or strongholds that prevent our whole heart from surrendering to God.
The Lord shines His light into our hearts, to guide our feet “into the way of peace.” We can be at peace with God, taking hold of salvation, through our Lord Jesus Christ.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.” – Psalm 119:105
We also have the Word of God as the light in our lives. We aren’t on our own to figure this all out by ourselves. We have the Bible to guide us, both specifically and in principle, as we follow Christ.
Your Free 31-Day Bible Verses About Jesus Being The Light Bible Reading Plan
This 31 Day Bible Verses About Jesus Being The Light reading plan can be used any day of the year. We’ve made designs with just the topic, but also ones that have “February” on it, as we designed a suggested reading plan for the entire year.
Feel free to use it any month of the year, or even any 31 days of the year! You don’t have to start a reading plan on the first of the month for it to be effective. Scripture works any day of the year!
It includes Bible verses about Jesus being the light, as well as Christians being a light to the world. It also has verses about living a righteous life to glorify God.
Pick it up for free in our Gumroad shop.
You can also pick up an upgraded version with a coordinating note page, prayer request log, and journaling page.
Sneak a peek at the reading plan here.
Both the regular and upgraded version come with a worksheet of Bible Study and Reflection questions. Here are the questions, great for quiet time, family devotions, women’s ministry, or small group Bible Study.
Bible Study and Reflection Questions
- Reflect on John 8:12. In what ways have you experienced His light guiding or transforming your life?
- How does God’s Word serve as a light for your path, according to Psalm 119:105?
- What does it look like to “walk while you have the light” as Jesus urges in John 12:35?
- What areas of your life do you feel you need Jesus’ light to shine in? Write a short prayer asking Him to help you surrender those areas to Him today.
Prayer for Walking in the Light of Christ
Dear Lord,
The world can be so overwhelming as we try to live our Christian lives. We thank You that You have overcome the world.
May Your light shine in the dark places in this world. And may You bring to light the shadowy places in our hearts that I need to be surrendered to You.
Please keep us in Your Word, that it would light the path to follow You each day.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Walking in the light of Christ is not just an idea, but a way of life.
Jesus is the true light, offering guidance, transformation, and peace in a world often shrouded in darkness. Through His Word and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can navigate life’s challenges, surrender our hearts, and experience the fullness of His love and salvation.
Reading the Bible can help us understand this more! Spend time in His Word learning more about how we can walk in the light of Christ.
If you liked Bible Verses About Jesus Being The Light, you may also like Bible Verses for February and Beginner Bible Reading Plans.
