Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 9:5

"When I am in the world, I am the light of the world." — John 9:5 (ASV)

The growing pressure of hostility rising from unbelief warned Jesus that his time was short; the darkness would soon fall. As all the Gospels show, Jesus was working under the shadow of the coming cross (Matthew 16:21; Mark 8:31). While he had the opportunity, he must let his light shine on the darkness around him by healing both bodies and minds. The use of “we” shows that he included his disciples in his ministry. They also would pass through perils and opposition, but they would have the support of the Father who had sent him. “I am the light of the world” repeats 8:12; the healing of the blind man illustrates the positive and practical application of that principle.