The Weekly Show - Episode 73: Light and Darkness

Join Tim and John as they talk about life and study on Light and Darkness.

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning and https://uppbeat.io/t/pecan-pie/halloween-time

Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/

Introduction: Light in the Darkness

Theme Verse:

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” — John 1:5

Every generation faces darkness. Sometimes it’s the kind you see on the news—war, corruption, confusion. Other times, it’s the quiet kind—fear, loneliness, temptation, doubt. But darkness doesn’t get the last word. It never has.

From the very first words of Genesis to the final vision in Revelation, light has always been God’s answer to chaos. And in Jesus Christ, that light didn’t just appear—it invaded. When the world was at its darkest, God didn’t shout from heaven; He stepped into the night. John says it beautifully:

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Darkness can resist the light, but it cannot defeat it. It can whisper lies, but it cannot silence the truth. It can cover, but it cannot conquer.

In this study, we’ll see how Jesus is the Light of the World—the One who reveals, rescues, and restores. And then, we’ll turn to Matthew 5, where Jesus flips the script: He calls us the light of the world. His followers become lanterns—carrying His truth into a world addicted to shadows.

So as you open your Bible and your heart, remember this: You weren’t made to curse the darkness. You were made to shine in it. The darker the night, the brighter your light becomes.

Part I: Jesus, the Light of the World

Key Passages:

• John 8:12 – “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
• John 9:5 – “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

1. Light That Reveals

When Jesus said, “I am the light of the world,” He wasn’t describing something He does — He was declaring something He is. Light reveals what darkness hides. It shows truth for what it really is. When you walk with Jesus, things that once confused you begin to make sense. You start to see sin for what it costs, grace for what it gives, and yourself for who you are in Him.

The light of Christ doesn’t just expose — it illuminates. He doesn’t reveal your mess to shame you, but to redeem you.

His light doesn’t blind you; it guides you.

Reflection Question: What’s one area of your life where you need God’s light to bring clarity or truth right now?

2. Light That Rescues

In John 9, Jesus healed a man born blind — not just to restore his sight, but to show what divine light does. The world offers spotlights of self-help and false hope, but they burn out fast. Jesus offers something different — a steady, saving light that breaks the darkness of sin and despair.

Light doesn’t run from darkness; it invades it. That’s what the cross did. That’s what grace still does.

The same light that exposes your brokenness is the one that heals it.

Question: What difference does it make to know that Jesus is the light, not just someone who points to it?

3. Light That Remains

Jesus said, “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” Then — after His resurrection — He passed that light to His followers. He left, but the light didn’t leave. It lives in us.

The world’s light fades with time, but Christ’s light only shines brighter in the dark. When you feel like the world is getting darker, that’s not proof God has left — it’s proof He’s about to shine through His people.

The darker the world grows, the more distinct His light becomes in you.

Reflection Prompt: Take a quiet moment and ask: “Lord, what are You illuminating in me — not to expose, but to transform?”

Part II: Believers, the Light of the World

Key Passage:

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:14–16

1. Light Has a Purpose

Jesus doesn’t say, “Try to be the light.” He declares, “You are the light.” That’s not a goal—it’s your identity.

If Christ lives in you, then His light isn’t just