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. John 8:12 (NLT)
When Jesus makes this statement of Himself, He’s not delivery an eloquent sermon or speaking intimately with His disciples… The Pharisees had just tried to set Him up in a situation where He could be accused of blasphemy. They brought before Him a woman caught in adultery, whom they wanted Him to condemn. Rather, Jesus confronts the crowd and releases the woman. I can imagine the crowd being agitated and excited at the same time, and the Pharisees angry as their plan backfires right in front of them. Jesus says to them “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.” The Pharisees replied, “You are making those claims about yourself! Such testimony is not valid.” 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…” (John 8:12-14).
When Jesus authority and validity was questioned, He answered it with His Sonship – “I know where I came from and where I am going…” His confidence in who He is, according to the Father, gave Him the ability to make those statements of Himself. And the truth of His belief – that He is the Son of God – gave Him the authority to say it. What would we boldly say of ourselves if we were sure of where we came from and where we’re going? No matter where you have come from in a physical sense, Ps 139 says “For You formed my inward parts… I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made”. Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I know the plans I have for you… They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope”. Stand in the confidence of who and whose you are. When the accuser comes to condemn, you can boldly proclaim that you are a son or daughter of God, justified and loved by Jesus. There is no need to walk in darkness when it comes to your identity – Jesus is the light of the world… allow Him to light up your true worth and path in life.
