Jesus Christ, The Light of the World

What does this mean? What does this symbolism teach us of Jesus Christ and his mission? Here are some thoughts that may serve as a starting point for further personal study on this topic.

Light draws us as a beacon

“Behold, I am the law, and the light. Look unto me...” (3 Nephi 15:9). Light acts as a beacon. It draws out attention to it because it stands out. President Hinckley said, “Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ must be a beacon light before you, a polar star in your sky” (Ensign, May 2004). Elder Robert D. Hales said, “When we are one with God, we walk with spiritual light. This is a spiritual light that protects us and serves as a beacon, guiding us in righteous ways” (Ensign, May 1996).

As a light, Jesus is our example

When Jesus called twelve disciples in the new world, he told them “Ye are my disciples; and ye are a light unto this people...” (3 Nephi 15:12). The footnote entry for “light” refers readers to the Topical Guide entries for Example and Leadership. Just as the newly called disciples were to serve as an example to the people in the American continent, so then was Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, so be our great Exemplar. He stated, “Behold I am the light; I have set an example for you” (3 Nephi 18:16). Remember this counsel with our own light: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).

Light leads us along the right path

Just as a lamp can show us the right way through darkness, Jesus Christ is the Light that will lead us to eternal life. Speaking Messianically, Isaiah writes, “I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them...” (Isaiah 42:16).

Light drives out darkness

President Joseph F. Smith said, “The grateful man sees so much in the world to be thankful for, and with him the good outweighs the evil. Love overpowers jealousy, and light drives darkness out of his life.” (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [1939], 263; italics added). If our eye be single to the glory of God, we will be filled with light (see Luke 11:34) and the darkness within us will flee. If we liken darkness to sin, then we understand that Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, can cleanse us from all sin. Our garments can be made white through the blood of him who atoned for our sins (Alma 5:21).

Light warns us of danger

Light also acts as a warning like a lighthouse to ships at sea. Christ “will bring to light the hidden things of darkness...” (1 Corinthians 4:5). Elder Robert D. Hales spoke of these dangers, “Growing up on Long Island, in New York, I understood how vital light was to those traveling in the darkness on the open sea. How dangerous is a fallen lighthouse! How devastating is a lighthouse whose light has failed!” (Ensign, May 2002).