Gospel in Art: I am the light of the world

Rejoice in His Light, by Yongsung Kim, painted in 2018, Oil on canvas © Yongsung Kim / Havenlight

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 7 April 2025
John 8:12-20

At that time: Jesus spoke to the Pharisees, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.' So the Pharisees said to him, 'You are bearing witness about yourself; your testimony is not true.' Jesus answered, 'Even if I do bear witness about myself, my testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. Yet even if I do judge, my judgement is true, for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. In your Law it is written that the testimony of two people is true. I am the one who bears witness about myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness about me.' They said to him therefore, 'Where is your Father?' Jesus answered, 'You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.' These words he spoke in the treasury, as he taught in the Temple; but no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.

Reflection on the painting

At this time of year, the days are becoming noticeably longer, with more daylight pushing back the darkness. As the light increases, so does life. Many of us feel more energised and uplifted as the days grow longer, and nature, too, begins to awaken with the return of brighter days. In today's Gospel, when Jesus speaks of the light of life, we can easily see the connection between light and life.

Jesus has just declared himself to be the light of the world. He brings God's light into the world, revealing God's presence and glory through his words, actions, and ultimately, through his death and resurrection. After revealing himself as the world's true light, he makes a promise: those who follow him will never be lost in darkness but will have the light of life. In bringing God's light into the world, he also brings God's life, offering a light and a life beyond this world, transforming the lives of all who walk in His way.

Yongsung Kim's painting Rejoice in His Light is a serene and uplifting depiction of Jesus, bathed in warm, radiant light, descending upon him from the heavens. His own face is also radiating light. The two light sources are intimately connected. The background is softly illuminated, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Jesus is flanked by a young lamb. Other sheep are grazing away in the fields. The sheep seem tranquil and happy to be in the Lord's presence. Yongsung Kim is a South Korean artist known for his deeply spiritual and emotive Christian artwork. His paintings often depict Jesus in moments of quiet compassion. Through soft brushwork and luminous colour palettes, Kim always seeks to inspire faith and joy, drawing people into a deeper reflection on God's love and light.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/john-8-12-20-2025/ (with audio)