Jesus applies the title to himself while debating with the Jews and states: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." Jesus again claims to be Light of the World during the miracle of healing the blind at birth, saying: "When I am in the world, I am the Light of the World."

In the Christological context, the use of the title Light of the World is similar to the Bread of Life where Jesus states: "I am the bread of life: he who comes to me shall not hunger." These assertions build on the Christological theme where Jesus claims to possess life just as the Father does and provide it to those who follow him.