Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world;
the one who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”
John 8:12 (NASB)
Series: The Gift of Faith
One of my favorite memories from childhood was my parents taking my sister, brother, and me to Six Flags amusement park every summer. Even on the hottest days, we always had the best time. Walking around the park as the sun went down, the lights of the rides lit our way from place to place. We were in awe of how different everything looked in the dark. The rides seemed bigger, more exciting with all those little bulbs lit up.
Then came that moment, our last chance to get on one final ride. With adrenaline pumping, we would set off running in the dark as fast as we could toward the light of the ride before that “all powerful rope” closed the line to anyone else who approached it. Do you know the feeling? As we think about our daily lives, we cannot deny the presence of both light and darkness. Why are we attracted to the lights of a carnival ride? Catching lightning bugs in the summer? Or even using a flashlight or candle when our power goes out during a storm? Is there something that makes us feel safer in the light? I think so. Navigating in the pitch dark is simply more difficult than having a spot of light to show us the way.
How does understanding light and darkness help us as we grow our faith? You may have heard the statement “walking in the light” regarding your faith. Jesus described Himself as the Light of the world and instructed us to walk in the Light. How glorious is that? Have you thought about Him as the Light leading you? Maybe you have heard Him called “The Light of the World” but never really had that adrenaline moment when you felt lost (in the dark) and knew He was there lighting the way for you. Faith requires knowing and following Jesus. Jesus isn’t talking about a physical light, but a light shining out of spiritual darkness—a light that leads us to Him, away from a life of transgression.
Let’s jump into the gospel of John and hear the words of Jesus on His last call publicly to those who did not yet believe He was, in fact, the Messiah:
So Jesus said to them, “For a little while longer the Light is among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you; also, the one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of Light. These things Jesus proclaimed, and He went away and hid Himself from them. But though He had performed so many signs in their sight, they still were not believing in Him. (John 12:35-37 NASB)
It’s hard to imagine that no matter how desperately Jesus fought for the people to see who He truly was (is), they still had such unbelief. All the prophesies were fulfilled in Him, all the miracles and the teachings He gave pointed scripturally to Him being the Messiah. Yet, many still doubted and still doubt today. Jesus explains when we live our life apart from Him we cannot see where we are going. We may have a more difficult time finding our way, releasing burdens, or living a fruitful life. Staying in the darkness is like living our whole life in a prison. A cell filled with chaos, doubt, hatred, bitterness, evil, and unforgiveness. No wonder Jesus so passionately pursues us.
John recorded these words of Jesus at another time as well:
Now Jesus cried out and said, “The one who believes in Me, does not believe only in Me, but also in Him who sent Me. And the one who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. I have come as Light into the world, so that no one who believes in Me will remain in darkness.(John 12:44-46 NASB)
Why is this passage so important to hear? It is in this scripture Jesus claims He and God the Father are One. By believing in Christ, we also believe in the Father. Jesus rescues all of us from living in the darkness. When we believe, we fully live in the freedom He provides. His light shines through us as we walk with Him. As we share Him with others, and as His light penetrates our hearts, our faith ignites to new levels.
Just as Jesus made a last appeal to those in Israel before they put Him to death, He makes an appeal to you today. Will you follow Him? Will you run with all you have to the light of Jesus? What if today was a last call moment? Our hearts long for all to know Him, seek Him, and love Him. In Him, we find hope that anchors our soul and keeps us steady in a world caught up in darkness. May your faith in Jesus light your way and may your life shine for Him!
This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.
(1 John 1:5 NASB)
Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen
Scripture References: John 8:12, 12:35-50; 1 John 1:5