What does Jesus mean when He calls Himself 'the Light of the World'?

When Jesus refers to Himself as 'the Light of the World' in John 8:12, He is acknowledging His role as the ultimate truth that dispels spiritual darkness and ignorance. This declaration echoes the Old Testament where God is identified as light, for instance, in Psalm 27:1, where the Lord is described as a source of light and salvation. By claiming this title, Jesus not only affirms His divine nature but also invites humanity to follow Him out of darkness into the light of spiritual clarity and eternal life. This metaphor reinforces the belief that through Him, believers receive understanding, hope, and the ability to navigate life's moral complexities with divine guidance.