Jesus describes Himself as the Light of the World (John 1:9; John 8:12; John 9:5; John 12:46).  In the Bible, ‘light’ speaks to us of God’s holy nature, His powerful saving acts, His unmovable moral standards, His relationship with His creation, and His ultimate purposes.  The Bible also challenges us to respond to what God’s Light reveals about Himself and us - in faith, obedience, love, and hope.  The light emanating from Jesus is the same as the Light of God (Hebrews 1:3) - the same Light which will physically illuminate the new creation (Revelation 21:23).  

In these verses, ‘light’ is used as a powerful picture in which God the Son is able to shine His searchlight and look into every dark corner and reveal the truth of what is there.  Light automatically removes darkness (John 1:4-5).  But sinful people hate the Light because they do not want to be exposed.  They fear the Light lest their personal empire should be seen for what it is: godless, selfish, corrupt, and worthless.

But Jesus also provides confidence and safety for those who walk in the Light with Him now (1 John 1:7).  Those people who want to know the truth, and are willing to live the truth, will come to Jesus who is the Light.  Instead of hating Jesus, believers love Him; instead of fearing His presence, they are glad when He is near and only fear that they may grieve Him (Ephesians 4:30).

Whenever the Gospel is spoken and believers express their faith, there will be a reaction.  Those who love what is dark will hate even the thought of the Light (that is Jesus), and they will express their hatred in some way (Acts 7:51-60).  Those who are under conviction by the Holy Spirit will experience an internal battle which will often be expressed as hostility towards the Gospel and the Gospel messengers.  But as the Light takes hold and people start to see how dark their darkness is - those who start to move towards the Light become more and more eager to see the truth and more willing for the truth to reveal the reality of who they are.  So do not fear opposition because of the Gospel (Philippians 1:29).  It is all evidence that God is at work.