The light of the world
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”John 8:12
Reflection
Jesus' statement, "I am the light of the world", was made in a significant setting. According to the custom of the time, during the feast of Tabernacles the temple was lit by enormous lampstands that made the whole city of Jerusalem shine. In the midst of this spectacle of lights, Jesus stands up and says: the true light is not in the lampstands, it is in Him. It is a bold declaration and, at the same time, a tender one: He came for those who live groping in the dark.
Notice the promise to those who follow Him: "he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life". The light is not only to admire, it is to walk by. And notice the verb: "followeth". Following is the condition for walking in the light. Whoever stops following and tries to walk on their own goes back to stumbling. Christ's light, most of the time, does not illuminate the whole road at once; it lights enough for the next step, like a lantern on a dark night. And whoever follows does not need to see everything, only to see the One who goes ahead.
The "light of life" is a beautiful expression: it is not only a light that shows, but a light that gives life. Darkness in the Bible is not only lack of information; it is the condition of those who live without God, without meaning and without direction. Christ does not just clarify the situation; He brings life. When He enters a heart, the shadows of fear, guilt, emptiness and lies begin to dissolve, because light does not argue with darkness, it simply arrives.
How can you walk in that light today? Begin by following what He has already shown, the step of obedience you know you need to take. Then carry that light wherever you are: at home, at work, at school. Jesus, at another time, told His disciples: "Ye are the light of the world". The light we receive is meant to be spread. Wherever someone is groping in the dark, a follower of Christ can light a candle: a word, a presence, a gesture.
Prayer
Jesus, You are the light of the world, and I choose to follow You. Light my path, at least the next step, and free me from the darkness of fear, guilt and doubt. By Your grace, make me a light for those in the dark around me. Amen.
Put it into practice
Identify the step of obedience Jesus has already shown you and take it today, even without seeing the whole road. Then bring light to someone in a dark place: a word of hope, a visit or concrete help.
To reflect on
In what area of your life are you groping in the dark because you are not following the step Jesus has already lit?
Bible text: King James Version (public domain).