This ebook is prepared by the E-Da`wah Committee in Kuwait.
As a matter of fact, numerous beliefs are held about Jesus, the truth about whom is considered one of the most controversial topics among the followers of the various faiths.
One group believes that he is God and/or the son of God; a second group believes that he is a prophet; a third group believes that he is neither God nor a prophet, nor even a messiah.
Anyway, let’s set all those beliefs aside, listen to Jesus himself, and know who he is according to the New Testament, with reference to the Old Testament and, sometimes, the Quran.
Let’s assume that all chapters of both the Old Testament and the New Testament are actually the words of God, discuss what Jesus said about himself and interpret the verses with equivocal indications through the verses with unequivocal indications in the Bible.
Is Jesus the Light of the World?
There are many awkward descriptions of Jesus in the New Testament. One of such descriptions is Jesus’ description as “the Light of the World”.
In the New Testament, we read: “There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe.
He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.” (John 1:6-9)
We also read: “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” (John 8:12)
We further read: I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. (John 12:46) In addition, we read: “Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God; if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark.” (Romans 2:17- 19)
But, what is meant by Jesus’ description as “the light of the world”? Is this description a literal or metaphorical one? First of all, there is no doubt that God alone is the only literal light of the world. He is the true source and giver of light to His creatures including Jesus himself. This is well-established in the New Testament itself and sometimes cited as quotations for Jesus and his disciples.
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