This is part 2 of a series exploring how the Bible teaches that Jesus was greater than all who came before him.  This series is not intended to be exhaustive.  The topic of Jesus as “greater than” or “better” than those who came before him is inexhaustible.  Libraries could and should be written on this subject.  But we have attempted in these pages to explore what such a rich subject would look like.  (Each entry is excerpted from There Is No Greater Love)

Christ Greater than Creation (part 2 of 2)

And God made two great lights.  The greater light to rule the day… (Gen 1:16).

The Bible tells us that on the first day of creation God called light out of darkness (Gen 1:3).  This original light preceded the sun, which God made on the fourth day (Gen 1:16).  The Bible also tells us that the light of the eternal city itself will succeed the sun–having no need of its “greater light” (Rev 21:23).  In other words, the physical light of the sun was created to enlighten our eyes to the spiritual radiance of Jesus, who is the eternal Light of the World.  Jesus was the light shining before the sun.  He is the Lamb who will illumine the bridal city even when the sun and moon are needed no more (John 1:4; 8:12; Rev 21:23-24).

The Apostle tells us that God commanded light to shine out of darkness in order to allow our hearts to see the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Cor 4:6).  It is only by Jesus’ light that we can see.  He heals our blindness and enlightens our path.  He chases away the darkness before us and scatters all of our fears.  He is the light of His people. His face shines like the sun in its strength; all of His garments are dazzling as light (Matt 17:2).

“The Lord is my light,” sang David, “and He has become my salvation” (Psa 27:1).  All those who share in David’s song have been delivered from darkness unto the kingdom of the Son who reflects God’s love and who redeems us through His blood by granting us forgiveness of sins (Col 1:14).

The first image of salvation in the creation account is light shining in darkness, even from the foundation of the world.  But the sun is the mere image of the light of salvation. Jesus is the true Light.  All who sit in darkness need only open their eyes to see His Great Light and know the warmth of His love (Isa 9:2).

God made the “greater light” in the beginning.  But there is no Greater Light than Jesus.