I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Oftentimes, when people describe their salvation experience they will say, “It was like the lights came on!” This makes perfect sense when we consider Jesus’ audacious claim in John 8.

In John 8:12, Jesus claims that He is the light of the world. 

For the Jews, this claim was breathtaking in its audacity. Here Jesus claims to be one with the Father, the creator of light.

John Piper writes that:

“The light of Christ is the brightness of God shining on the retina of the human soul.”

This is exactly what light does, it illuminates and guides. Have you ever noticed that when light breaks into a place, it immediately brings warmth and comfort? Light holds back the bleakness and coldness of night.  

Light also has an incredible ability to reveal that which was safely hidden in the darkness. Light can therefore make us angry and resentful because it exposes things in us that we would prefer to have remained hidden. This explains why some people distance themselves from Jesus and even actively dislike Him, because His light reveals our condition.  

Jesus said whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. Who is this light of life? It is Jesus Christ. And when we make Jesus our Lord, we will never have to walk in darkness again.

Practical application:

What areas of your life do you need Jesus to shine His light on? Pray for His light to bring direction and freedom today.