Longing for Light: An Example of Mythology Pointing to Jesus

Ever since I was little, I’ve loved reading mythology. The epic stories, heroic deeds, and imaginative worlds captured my imagination and solidified my love for fantasy books. But even better is when you can tell there is a beautiful truth underlying myths. I want to explore an example of mythology pointing to Jesus and how every human heart longs for light to vanquish darkness—a timeless theme of good overcoming evil.

I love when mythology points out a universal theme. In dark times, we ache for the arrival of dawn.

This seems especially relevant right now, as we’re all longing for a little more light in the world. Things have been pretty dark lately, what with the pandemic, racial injustice, divisiveness and more. So where can we turn as we’re looking for light?

Tricky Characters and Myths about Light

The examples from mythology I want to look at all tell the story of rebel gods stealing fire or light to bring it down to earth.

In Greek mythology, Prometheus sneaks into Olympus, the home of the gods, and steals fire so humans no longer have to live in darkness.

If you’ve seen the movie Moana, you might know that the demigod Maui is the character in Polynesian myth who steals fire, this time from the underworld.

And again, in Tlinigit myth, the clever Raven steals not only daylight, but the moon and stars as well. (I recently learned this story because a local museum exhibit caught my attention, and I was bummed to miss it!)

In some of these stories, humanity’s longing for light puts them at odds with their gods. Creation turned against creator. The gods withholding something humans desperately need. Their only hope is a benevolent mediator between gods and humans.

Well, sometimes benevolent. Oddly enough, Prometheus, Maui, and Raven are all mythological characters in the trickster tradition. These tricksters are just as often against humankind as for them. Tricksters love whatever causes the most mischief, so they’re hardly a reliable source of light in dark times.

We definitely need a better source of light and more reliable mediator in reality.

Mythology Pointing to Jesus

I think the reason these stories resonate and fascinate are because they are pointing to something true. And the truth is far better and more hopeful than the myths!

There are many myths about light having to be stolen from the gods, setting up an amazing contrast to how the true God freely gave light.

In a beautiful twist, the Gospel (aka Good News) shows that God isn’t against us in our longing for light. Instead, it’s His idea and His plan to provide the light we need. Instead of holding back so that light has to be stolen, God freely gives:

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
-James 1:17 NIV

And the Mediator God chose for this? Jesus is the perfect Mediator, trading His life for ours so that we may have light. And He is Light Himself!

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.”
-1 Timothy 2:1-6 NIV

The darkness is no match for this Light!

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”
-John 1:1-5 NKJV

And here’s one more verse on this theme that is so beautiful:

“Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.’”
-John 8:12 NASB

Embracing the Light

Our longing for light is answered.

A gift.

A mediator.

The light we need for any dark time.

And like the moon reflecting the sun, we also can reflect Christ, pointing others to Him when things are dark. Here are the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV):

“‘You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.’”

As I was getting ready to post this, I “happened” to read this in my morning Bible study:

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
-1 Peter 2:9 NIV

I love God’s timing!

I hope you enjoyed this example of mythology pointing to Jesus! May you be encouraged during dark times knowing that the true God can drive out any darkness and overcome anything you’re facing!

What are some of your favorite myths?

What are your favorite Bible verses or quotes about light overcoming darkness?

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