Light of the World

Scripture: John 8:12-20 (Click link for scripture in Bible Gateway)

12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” 13 The Pharisees replied, “You are making those claims about yourself! Such testimony is not valid.” 14 Jesus told them, “These claims are valid even though I make them about myself. For I know where I came from and where I am going, but you don’t know this about me. 15 You judge me by human standards, but I do not judge anyone. 16 And if I did, my judgment would be correct in every respect because I am not alone. The Father who sent me is with me. 17 Your own law says that if two people agree about something, their witness is accepted as fact. 18 I am one witness, and my Father who sent me is the other.” 19 “Where is your father?” they asked. Jesus answered, “Since you don’t know who I am, you don’t know who my Father is. If you knew me, you would also know my Father.” 20 Jesus made these statements while he was teaching in the section of the Temple known as the Treasury. But he was not arrested, because his time had not yet come. (John 8:12–20 NLT)

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” Jesus was teaching in the part of the Temple where the offerings were collected. In this area there were large candles burning that symbolized the pillar of fire that led the Israelites through the wilderness. The pillar of fire represented God’s presence, protection, and guidance for his people through the uncharted wilderness. Jesus brings God’s presence, provision, and guidance to us as we travel through the uncharted wilderness of life. The pillar of fire moved through the wilderness and to enjoy its benefits, the people had to follow. Jesus is the light of the world, but if he’s to be the light of our world, we must follow him daily.

Following Jesus is an active relationship. We follow him by making the effort and taking the initiative to stay close to him. We follow him by obeying his teachings and commandments. We follow him by submitting to his authority and his leadership in our lives. We follow him by earnestly desiring and diligently seeking to know and to do his will for our lives. We follow him by walking in the light of honesty and truth and staying out of the shadows. Is his light shining brightly where you are? Is Jesus the light of your world?

Prayer:

Father, I want Jesus to be the light of my world! He leads, I follow! Amen!