Matt Redman - Light Of The World Lyrics
Lyrics
O Jesus son of God , so full of grace and truth
The Father's saving Word, so wonderful are you
The Angels longed to see and prophets searched to find
The glory we have seen revealed
You shone upon the earth but who will understand?
You came unto Your own but who will recognize?
Your birth was prophesied, for You were the Messiah
Who came and walked upon the Earth
Your glory we have seen, the one and only King
And now You're living in our hearts
Light of the world, light of the world
Light of the world, You shine upon us
In You all things were made and nothing without You
In heaven and on earth all things are held in You
And yet You became flesh, living as one of us
Under the shadow of the cross
Where, through the blood you shed, You have made peace again
Peace for a world that God so loves
And yet You became flesh, living as one of us
Under the shadow of the cross
Where, through the blood you shed, You have made peace again
Peace for a world that God so loves
Video
Light of the World by Matt Redman - Lyric Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Matt Redman's "Light of the World," released as part of the *Now to Live the Life: Soul Survivor Live 1998* album, is a profound declaration of Jesus Christ's divine nature and redemptive work, resonating deeply with the core tenets of Christian faith. The song centers on the staggering truth of God’s Word made flesh, a concept that echoes through Scripture from the very beginning. It opens by addressing Jesus as the Son of God, rich in grace and truth, the very Word of the Father, underscoring His co-equality with God as described in John 1:1 ("In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God"). The lyrics then touch upon the longing of angels and the diligent search of prophets for this divine revelation, a sentiment found in passages like 1 Peter 1:10-12, which speaks of prophets inquiring and searching about the salvation revealed through Christ.
The song powerfully contrasts the immense glory of Jesus with the world's reception, or lack thereof. It poses the poignant questions, "You shone upon the earth but who will understand?" and "You came unto Your own but who will recognize?" This directly reflects the experience of Jesus' earthly ministry, where many failed to grasp His identity and purpose, as noted in John 1:10-11: "He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him." The prophecy of His coming as the Messiah is acknowledged, leading into the breathtaking reality of His incarnation – the eternal Creator becoming man to walk among us. The declaration, "Your glory we have seen, the one and only King," points to the visible manifestation of God's glory in Jesus, as proclaimed by John the Baptist, "We have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father" (John 1:14). The realization that He now lives within believers, as the "Light of the world," is a testament to His indwelling presence through the Holy Spirit.
The chorus, "Light of the world, light of the world, Light of the world, You shine upon us," is a direct echo of Jesus' own self-proclamation in John 8:12: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." This central theme of Christ as the illuminating force dispelling spiritual darkness is the song's anchor. The lyrics then expand on His role in creation, stating, "In You all things were made and nothing without You," which aligns perfectly with Colossians 1:16: "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him." Furthermore, the comprehension that He, who created everything, was also held together in Him (“all things are held in You”) points to His sustaining power, as described in Colossians 1:17.
The song's most profound movement is its exploration of the Incarnation’s purpose: "And yet You became flesh, living as one of us, Under the shadow of the cross." This is the pivotal paradox of Christianity – the divine taking on human frailty, not for Himself, but for humanity. The lyrics then move to the sacrifice, “Where, through the blood you shed, You have made peace again.” This speaks directly to the atoning sacrifice of Christ on the cross, as described in Romans 5:1, which states, "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." The reconciliation made through His shed blood brings peace not only between God and humanity but also "Peace for a world that God so loves," reflecting the heart of John 3:16, the ultimate expression of God's love for the world, culminating in the gift of His Son. The repetition of these powerful verses solidifies the understanding that Christ's earthly journey, from manger to cross, was a deliberate act of love to bring about redemption and reconciliation for all who believe. "Light of the World" is not just a song; it's a theological statement set to music, a vibrant and inspiring reminder of the hope found in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.