In the contemporary world, we can overcome the darkness merely by flicking a switch. That reality makes it hard for us to appreciate how darkness was the enemy of humanity since the days of the cave dwellers. So when Jesus says, “I am the light of the world” he is staking a bold claim about his salvific presence. Some context: this saying is in John 8 where Jesus is in Jerusalem for the Festival of Booths. During that feast, the seven lamped menorah would have been lit in the temple so people could celebrate with song and dance the light which God provided in their lives. That Jesus says “I am the light” during the feast implies that as good as this feast might be, my presence among you us better.
