Pondering John 8:12-30.
Figuratively, He drew the line in the sand a little bit deeper.
Jesus had previously declared to the crowd that He is Living Water. Consequently some decided to follow Him while others became hostile. The people were divided.
So He made another “I Am” revelation. When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Jesus was teaching in the temple, near the place where offerings were made. It was known as the Treasury, found within the Court of Women. In this section of the temple, there were four giant stands, each holding four large golden bowls filled with oil. Imagine ancient world chandeliers with an impact!
The lamps were lit to commemorate God’s faithful presence as the pillar of fire when He guided the Israelites through the Wilderness, away from the land where they were held as slaves, into the Promised Land. When lit at night, the light would engulf the entire temple and extend into the city of Jerusalem.
Surrounded by this bright light, Jesus intentionally chose the dramatic moment to declare Himself to be the One promised in Zechariah’s prophesy—the rising sun who would come from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace (Luke 1:78-79). And the One whom the the young Jewish children sang about when they memorized the first verse of Psalm 27. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?
The crowd knew Jesus was claiming deity. And once again, some challenged Him.
Scripture explains Scripture. Romans 12:20 tells us For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen being understood from what has been made so that men are without excuse. In the creation story, God’s first command was “Let there be light” and there was light. The first way He creatively began revealing His invisible qualities is through light.
Scientists discovered that the entire light spectrum ranges from ultraviolet light, which our human eyes cannot see, to infrared light, which we also cannot see. In the middle of this range lies visible light. Even though our eyes cannot detect the far ranges of light, it exists! We cannot see our invisible God, yet He exists with eternal power and divine nature.
Light is a bit mysterious. I don’t think we fully understand everything there is to know about it. We know it is necessary for life and that whenever it is present, darkness disappears. It’s an absolute measure of speed. It produces energy. It exposes danger. And even though I don’t fully understand it and its value, it remains trustworthy. I may be prone to take it for granted but I can count on it. And I am happiest when the sun is shining.
Same is true of Jesus. I don’t understand everything about Him and His ways (which is why I’m forever studying!). Yet He is necessary for spiritual life. Darkness is dispelled by His presence. He is my standard. And He is trustworthy. Alas, I’m also prone to taking Him for granted. And I am happiest when I’m cognizant of His light shining.
Another thing light does is make everything visible…including our sins. But that’s a good thing. It leads us to see ourselves clearly and recognize our need for Jesus as Savior.
Something else that amazes me is that Jesus transfers His light to His followers. He says, “You are the light of the world..let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14,16)
On the darkest of nights, we can look into the heavens and see a beautiful moon. It seems to shine brightly but in reality, it merely reflects a small portion of light from the sun. We too are to reflect our God and shine brightly. Why? Not so we are noticed and admired, but so that our beloved Father in heaven is praised. He’s the One shining! He’s the One worthy!
Questions to ponder:
Where do I recognize Jesus as the Light of the world?
Where am I responding with His light to this world?
debponders 