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What Did Christ Mean?
By the Words Day & Night John 11:9, 10
Jesus the Christ (Gk. Christos: the Anointed One, the Messiah), the Son of God (i.e., God manifested in the flesh), made a number of exceedingly significant statements during His ministry prior to being crucified on Calvary.
At a time when Christ had left Judea, a place where the Jews had sought to seize and harm Him, to a place beyond the Jordan . . . where John [the Baptist] was baptizing at first and where many believed in Him (vss. 10:31-42), He made a decision, informing His disciples, to return to Judea. Hearing this, His disciples responded, Rabbi, lately the Jews sought to stone You, and are You going there again? (vs. 8)
(9) Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world.
(10) But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.
Jesus Christ used a figure of speech, an analogy, to make His point. The comparison of day (light) and night (darkness) is quite dramatic in everyones life, from ones earliest years to the present. When there is no light, nothing may be seen and direction cannot be established. Only when there is light is it possible for one to truly see his surroundings. Only when there is light is it possible for one to truly identify the correct path to take in order to avoid stumbling. To put it succinctly, where there is light there is truth.
On a secular level the aspects of light and darkness were addressed by God in the restoration of the earth, and He determined that light was good and was to be divided from the darkness (Genesis 1:3, 4). And on a spiritual level, this division is even more intense. For the Creator has clearly informed His creation that He alone is Light (1 John 1:5), that He alone can portray and convey absolute Truth, and that He portrays and conveys it by means of His Word (Psalm 119:105, 130).
And when one is centered in Gods Word, he is centered in Gods will, a position that will keep him from stumbling. On the other hand, if one avoids the Word of God, he cannot be in Gods will, which will result in his stumbling because the light is not in him. Jesus Christ was informing His disciples that as long as He walked in the Light, He was centered in Gods will and nothing and no one could harm Him, a critical lesson that Christians must learn and follow throughout all stages of their life. But as for Christians, they must know that the Light of God has been fully manifested in the Person and Work (Sacrifice) of Jesus Christ (John 1:4-9; 8:12; 12:35, 36, 44-46). They must realize that to walk in Christ (Colossians 2:6) is a walk of faith (2 Corinthians 5:7), a walk empowered by the Spirit of God a walk that emanates from an absorption and application of the Word of God (compare Ephesians 5:18-20 with Colossians 3:16).
They must realize the following:
The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. (Romans 13:12-14)
Daniel Paley has submitted to the Holding to Truth website the following study regarding Light vs. Darkness in the New Testament, which is worthy of your review.
Light vs. Darkness in the New Testament
As believers in Christ, we should not walk in darkness but have the light of life. In this post, well consider verses on light versus darkness in the New Testament that will help us to:
1. Know God as light 2. Walk as children of light 3. Shine as luminaries in the world
God is Light
1 John 1:5 says that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. This is the God who said, Out of darkness light shall shine and the same God, who shined in our hearts to illuminate the knowledge of the glory of God (2 Corinthians 4:6).
We must admit that we were just like the people in Matthew 4:16 who were, sitting in darkness and in, the region of the shadow of death. But, because of the merciful compassions of our God, in which the rising sun visited us from on high (Luke 1:78) we have, seen a great light and to us, light has risen (Matthew 4:16). This light is none other than God Himself.
When the Lord Jesus came, He introduced Himself in John 8:12 as, the light of the world. He did this so that, everyone who believes into [Him] would not remain in darkness (John 12:46) or, walk in darkness. Rather, he who follows [Him] shall have the light of life (John 8:12).
Unfortunately,
19 men loved the darkness rather than the light, for their works were evil.
But,
he who does the truth comes to the light, that his works may be manifested that they are wrought in God (John 3:21).
So, how can we be those who do the truth and come to the light?
Walk in the Light
We Christians are surrounded by people who love darkness rather than the light. Sure, we are Christians and have the light of life in us, but it is still possible to be affected by those around us who are walking in darkness.
We can also be affected by dark things we take in from the news or certain types of entertainment like movies, music, and books. We may have had a good start in our Christian life, yet gradually be lulled to sleep and begin to fall into a walk that is just like that of the people around us. We need to consider 1 Thessalonians 5:4-6:
4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness that the day should overtake you like a thief;
We also should consider 2 Corinthians 6:14:
Do not become dissimilarly yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?
We should not think that this doesnt apply to us. 1 John 1:6-7 helps us with this:
6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and are not practicing the truth;
To be a Christian today is not easy. Those who hate the light and love darkness encompass us. We live in a world full of darkness, but weve been called out of darkness into His marvelous light:
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people acquired for a possession, so that you may tell out the virtues of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9)
In fact, we should even be encouraged:
The night is far advanced, and the day has drawn near. Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the weapons of light. (Romans 13:12)
What are the weapons of light? Ephesians 6:11-18 tells us to,
11 Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the stratagems of the devil.
In John 9:5, the Lord said, While I am in the world, I am the light of the world. Its very interesting that He added the qualifying phrase, While I am in the world. Did that mean that once He left the world He would no longer be the light of the world? Or that there would cease to be light in the world?
Three chapters later, in John 12:35-36, He tells us to, walk so that darkness may not overcome you. Then He goes on to say that we should, believe into the light, so that [we] may become sons of light. So even though He would eventually leave the world, we should believe into the light and walk in the light. Then we will not be overcome by darkness and can even become sons of light.
Moreover, in Matthew 5:14, He goes further to tell us, You are the light of the world. As those who have believed into the light and have received God into our heart as light, we are now the light of world.
As such we must walk in a way that shines forth the light and is not overcome by darkness. Ephesians 5:7-16 instructs us:
7 Therefore do not be partakers with [sons of disobedience] (v. 7).
16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Shine as Luminaries
Through our living and our walk we should fulfill our commission:
To open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light and from the authority of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me. (Acts 26:18)
As the disciples of the Lord, as His continuation on the earth today, we have a responsibility to be the light of the world just as He was. In Matthew 5:14-16, our Lord charged us in this way:
14 You are the light of the world. It is impossible for a city situated upon a mountain to be hidden.
We should be those who walk in the light, in fellowship with the Lord, constantly working out our own salvation that we,
may be blameless and guileless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverted generation, among whom [we] shine as luminaries in the world. (Philippians 2:15)
In the beginning, in Genesis, God spoke and there was light. In the New Testament, the Lord Jesus walked on the earth and was the light of the world. Today as Christians, as those who have the light of life, we also must speak to the world around us just like John the Baptist and testify concerning the light, that all might believe through [us]. And we must walk in a way that shines forth the light and overcomes the darkness.
----End of Dan Paleys Study---
The following are New Testament and Old Testament passages of Scripture pertaining to light and darkness:
New Testament Passages of Scripture
You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)
In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. (John 1:4-9)
And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God. (John 3:19-21)
Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the Light of life. (John 8:12)
I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. (John 9:4, 5)
Then Jesus said to them, A little while longer the Light is with you. Walk while you have the Light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light. These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them. . . . Then Jesus cried out and said, "He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. I have come as a Light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. (John 12:35, 36, 44-46)
The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. (Romans 13:12-14)
For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6)
Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14)
Therefore do not be partakers with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says: Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light. See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:7-16)
Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. (Philippians 2:14-16)
But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. (1 Thessalonians 5:4-8)
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9)
This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. (1 John 1:5, 6)
Old Testament Passages of Scripture
Then God said, Let there be light; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. (Genesis 1:3, 4)
Speak to Aaron, and say to him, When you arrange the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light in front of the lampstand. (Numbers 8:2; cf. Exodus 25:37)
Oh, that I were as in months past, as in the days when God watched over me; when His lamp shone upon my head, and when by His light I walked through darkness. (Job 29:2, 3)
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)
For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light. (Psalm 36:9)
He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. (Psalm 37:6)
Oh, send out Your light and Your truth! Let them lead me; Let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your tabernacle. (Psalm 43:3)
Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O LORD, in the light of Your countenance. (Psalm 89:15)
Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. (Psalm 97:11)
Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty, who cover Yourself with light as with a garment, who stretch out the heavens like a curtain. (Psalm 104:1, 2)
Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. (Psalm 112:4)
God is the LORD, and He has given us light; bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar. (Psalm 118:27)
Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. . . . The entrance of Your Word gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. (Psalm 119:105, 130)
But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. (Proverbs 4:18, 19)
For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; reproofs of instruction are the way of life. (Proverbs 6:23)
O house of Jacob, come and let us walk in the light of the LORD. (Isaiah 2:5)
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined. (Isaiah 9:2; cf. Matthew 4:16)
The sun shall no longer be your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you; but the LORD will be to you an everlasting light, and your God your glory. Your sun shall no longer go down, nor shall your moon withdraw itself; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and the days of your mourning shall be ended. (Isaiah 60:19, 20)
Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets, I have slain them by the words of My mouth; and your judgments are like light that goes forth. (Hosea 6:5)
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