Scripture describes Jesus as both the Light and the Stumbling Block. How can He be both? When we understand the answer to this puzzling question, we take one step towards understanding Jesus.
Jesus, the Light of the World
“Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever…
The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine…
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:1-7).
The prophet Isaiah foretold that Galilee would be filled with glory and that the people would see a great Light. Jesus spent most of His life in Galilee, 100 miles north of Jerusalem. His hometown of Nazareth was there, and His first miracle took place in Cana.
Jesus spent more than half of His ministry preaching, teaching, and performing miracles in that region. Because of His ministry, many who once walked in darkness began to walk in the light: they believed in the name of Jesus and were saved. Through Jesus, the prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled: Galilee was filled with the glory, and Jesus was the great Light. But while many embraced Jesus as the Light, others could not accept Him. For them, He became a Stumbling Block.
Jesus the Stumbling Block
The prophet Isaiah and the apostle Peter both referred to Jesus as a Stumbling Block.
“Make the LORD of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life. He is the one you should fear. He is the one who should make you tremble. He will keep you safe. But to Israel and Judah he will be a stone that makes people stumble, a rock that makes them fall. And for the people of Jerusalem he will be a trap and a snare. Many will stumble and fall, never to rise again. They will be snared and captured.” Isaiah 8:13-15
“He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them.” 1st Peter 2:8
Jesus was a Stumbling Block for both the Jews and the Gentiles. To the Jews, He was a Stumbling Block because He was not what they expected in a Messiah. They expected a king who would overthrow their enemies and restore the Jewish Kingdom. They were looking for an earthly king, not a heavenly king. They were offended by the message of the cross and rejected Jesus.
To the Gentiles, He was a Stumbling Block because they thought the message of the cross was foolishness. They were not expecting a Messiah and didn’t realize they needed one. The message made no sense to them, so they rejected it as foolishness.
Light or Stumble: The Choice We All Face
Not much has changed in 2,000 years. Jesus is still the Light shining “in a land of deep darkness” and illuminating the hearts of those who hear the message of the cross and believe in Him. At the same time, He remains a Stumbling Block for those who hear the message of the cross but refuse to believe it, either because they are offended or think the message is nonsense. Every person has a choice: they can either see Jesus as the Light or see Jesus as a Stumbling Block.
Questions for Reflection
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Isaiah prophesied that a great light would shine in Galilee. How does it encourage you to know that Jesus fulfilled this prophecy in such a specific way?
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What are some ways you’ve personally experienced Jesus as the Light in your own “dark places”?
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Scripture says many stumble over Jesus because He isn’t what they expect. Where do you see people stumbling over Him today? How can you respond with truth and grace?
Prayer Focus
Jesus, thank you that you are the light in my life, and I no longer must stumble around in the darkness. Thank you for shining into the dark places of my heart and showing me that I no longer need to be afraid. I pray for those who see you as a stumbling block. I ask that the Holy Spirit move in their life and that they see just enough of your light that they begin to seek the Truth. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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Making Him Known August 13, 2025 4:20 pm