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)
A great light rose upon the earth the day Jesus was born… heralded by angels, announced by the stars and honoured by the wise. The light of Hope, the light of Peace and the light of Salvation.
When Jesus makes this statement, He’s not delivering a sermon or speaking intimately with His disciples… The Pharisees had tried to trick Him into blasphemy. They brought before Him a woman caught in adultery – read the story in John 8:1-11 – and wanted Him to condemn her. Rather, Jesus confronts the crowd and dignifies the woman.
I imagine the onlookers were agitated and excited all at the same time, and the Pharisees bewildered and angry as their plan backfired right in front of them. Jesus said 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 said, “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).
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.
Romans 8 tells us that we are “children of God, and co-heirs with Christ…” In Matt 5, Jesus says “You are the light of the world… let your light shine.”
Just as Jesus birth was prophesied through the ages, heralded by Angels, and attended by Wiseman and Shepherds alike, your birth was long awaited by God himself so He could shine out into this world like He can only through you.
He is where you come from, and He is where you’re going.
Today, be reminded of who you are – loved and purposed, born for such a time as this, empowered by Jesus – the light of the world.
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