“You Are the Light of the World.

 You Are the Light of the World. A City Set on a Hill Cannot be Hidden

More than six hundred years before Christ (600BC), the prophet Isaiah prophesied about the Messiah who would come to enlighten the understanding of the people who lived in darkness because they disobeyed the Supreme Law of the Creator so that there would be a perfect balance between man and his Creation. Analogous to the “Pandora's Box” of Greek mythology, from which came all the evils that we mortals suffer. That disobedience brought, with it, the evils that those of us who live on this planet Earth suffer. In the times of Isaiah, the prophet, this situation was no exception. Such was the evil that the prophet compared it to a horrible darkness in which human beings lived at that time.

In Isaiah 8:9-11 God tells the prophet not to fear the people preparing to make war on Israel. “Listen to this, distant nations, there is no use in preparing for war! Even if they arm themselves to the teeth, they will be terrified and destroyed. Your plans will be of no use because God will make them fail. Even if they call for battle, no one will listen to them because God is with us.

Only God is to be feared

11 God took me firmly in his hand and warned me not to behave like those of Judah. He also gave me this message for them: “Do not call everything that people call “conspiracy” “conspiracy.” People are afraid when kings get together to make war plans. But you should not be scared or afraid. I am the almighty God, and it is me you should worship and fear. Otherwise, I will be like a trap for you, into which all the inhabitants of Jerusalem will fall. I will be like a stone against which the two kingdoms of Israel will stumble. Many will stumble, fall, and die; many will fall into the trap and be trapped.

Isaiah's warning to his disciples

  “Surely people will tell you: “All people consult their gods and ask them for instructions or messages. You go and consult the witches and fortune tellers so that they can tell you what is going to happen.” But don't listen, it's pure nonsense! People will go from one place to another, hungry and mistreated; famine will make them furious and they will curse their king and his gods. They will look everywhere and see only misery and anguish. They will live in the most terrible darkness!”

The Prophecy of Isaiah Concerning the Messiah Who Would Come to Bring You Light

 

Isaiah 9:1-7 (600BC) – “There will not always be darkness for her who is now in distress, such as the affliction that came to her at the time when they first lightly touched the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; for at last he will fill the road to the sea with glory, on that side of the Jordan, in Galilee of the Gentiles. 2 The people who walked in darkness saw great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, light shone upon them. 3 you multiplied the people and increased the joy. They will rejoice before you as they rejoice in the harvest, as they rejoice when they distribute the spoils. 4 For you broke his heavy yoke and the rod of his shoulder, and the scepter of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. 5 For every shoe that a warrior wears in the tumult of battle, and every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned, food for the fire. 6 For to us a child is born, a son is given, and the government is on his shoulder; and his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 There will be no end to the increase of his dominion and his peace, on the throne of David and on his kingdom, establishing it and confirming it in judgment and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of Jehovah of hosts will do this.

THE PROPHECY OF ISAIAH (9:1-7) FULFILLED IN MATTHEW (4:12-16)

Jesus Begins His Ministry

12 Now, when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. 13 And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: 15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—16 the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.”

THE PEOPLE DWELLING IN DARKNESS SAW A GREAT LIGHT

John 8:12 in the Bible contains a powerful statement made by Jesus: “I am the light of the world. “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but have the light of life.”

This metaphorical declaration, prophesied by Isaiah Chapter 9, emphasizes Jesus' role as a spiritual guide and source of illumination for those who believe in Him. By identifying Himself as the light, Jesus offers hope, truth, and salvation to all who choose to follow Him, telling them to be like Him, a light for those living in darkness. His teachings and actions revealed God's love for humanity and illuminated the path to bring man back to the Garden from which he was expelled.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16-ESV).