Jesus as the Living God: The Light of the World

A Scholarly Sermon from the Peshitta

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba, Shimba Theological Institute

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Introduction

The Peshitta, the ancient Syriac translation of the Holy Scriptures, preserves a unique theological witness to the identity of Yeshua (Jesus). In John 8:12, it records the Lord’s profound declaration:

“I AM THE LIVING GOD, The Light of the world. Whoever follows me shall not walk in darkness but shall find the light of life.”

This verse, when examined closely in the light of Semitic linguistics, Christological theology, and biblical context, affirms the full divinity of Jesus Christ. Unlike some modern translations that render the verse simply as “I am the light of the world”, the Peshitta retains a bold Christological assertion: “I AM THE LIVING GOD.” This is not a mere metaphor, but a declaration of divine ontology.

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Exegetical Consideration of the Text

1. “I AM” – An Echo of Exodus 3:14

   • In the Septuagint, God’s self-revelation to Moses is recorded as “Ego eimi ho ōn” – “I AM the One who is.”

   • The Peshitta preserves this same divine title in Christ’s declaration. By stating “I AM THE LIVING GOD”, Jesus directly identifies Himself with the God of Israel, the eternal “I AM.”

   • This is a clear claim to divine self-existence (aseity), which belongs only to Yahweh.

2. “The Living God” – A Title of Yahweh

   • Throughout the Hebrew Scriptures, the title “the Living God” is applied exclusively to Yahweh (Deut. 5:26; Jer. 10:10; Dan. 6:26).

   • By adopting this title, Jesus not only identifies Himself as divine, but also as the covenantal God of Israel who acts, speaks, and gives life.

   • The Peshitta leaves no room for interpreting Jesus as a mere prophet or enlightened teacher. He stands as the very essence of the Living God.

3. “The Light of the World” – Cosmic and Redemptive Significance

   • Light in biblical theology represents both creation and revelation. God created light on the first day (Gen. 1:3), and He is Himself “light” (Ps. 27:1; 1 John 1:5).

   • In claiming to be “the Light of the world,” Jesus claims divine prerogative as the source of both physical and spiritual illumination.

   • This universal claim transcends Israel, showing that His divine light shines upon all nations, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy that the Servant of the Lord will be “a light to the Gentiles” (Isa. 49:6).

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Theological Implications

1. Christology of the Peshitta

   • The Syriac text refuses to reduce Jesus to a moral guide or spiritual teacher.

   • The phrase “I AM THE LIVING GOD” situates Christ in the center of the divine identity. The Peshitta thereby contributes to Nicene orthodoxy centuries before formal councils debated the question.

2. Soteriological Dimensions

   • “Whoever follows me shall not walk in darkness but shall find the light of life.”

   • Salvation here is not merely deliverance from sin, but participation in divine life. To walk in Christ is to enter into the eternal light of God Himself.

   • This is a strong affirmation of theosis—the believer’s union with God through Christ.

3. Apologetic Force Against Unitarian and Islamic Christologies

   • While some traditions attempt to demote Jesus to prophet or moral teacher, the Peshitta preserves an explicit self-claim: Jesus is the Living God.

   • This makes the Peshitta an important text in Christian apologetics, especially in dialogues with Islam, where Jesus is denied divine status.

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Pastoral Application

For the church today, this declaration means:

• Identity in Christ – We do not follow a dead prophet but the Living God who conquered death.

• Direction in Life – To walk with Christ is to be free from darkness: fear, sin, and ignorance.

• Mission to the World – As He is the Light of the world, we are called to reflect that light in our witness, embodying the divine presence in a darkened world.

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Conclusion

The Peshitta’s rendering of John 8:12 is a theological gem, reminding us that Jesus Christ is not a mere man, not only a prophet, but the Living God Himself. His claim, “I AM THE LIVING GOD, The Light of the world”, unites Old Testament revelation with New Testament fulfillment, affirming that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is present and embodied in Jesus of Nazareth.

Therefore, the church must proclaim with boldness and conviction: Jesus Christ is the Living God, the Light that overcomes all darkness, and the source of eternal life.

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📖 Soli Deo Gloria.

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