“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” So the Pharisees said to him, “You are bearing witness about yourself; your testimony is not true.” Jesus answered, “Even if I do bear witness about myself, my testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is true, for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. In your Law it is written that the testimony of two people is true. I am the one who bears witness about myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness about me.” They said to him therefore, “Where is your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” These words he spoke in the treasury, as he taught in the temple; but no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.”
JOHN 8:12-20
Light is essential in navigating toward a destination. Especially down an unfamiliar path - and what is life for every person but navigating an unfamiliar path? A lighthouse keeps ships out of shallow and dangerous water. Streetlights bring order to our traffic patterns. Lights mark takeoff and landing runways for airplanes. Ideas are often represented by lightbulbs. Where darkness represents uncertainty, chaos, and fear - light brings order, calm, and direction.
Jesus says that everyone who follows Him will have the light of life. This does not mean the journey will be smooth, completely mapped out, and without fear and uncertainty - but the destination is always sure. Because the destination is always Christ. The One in whom we find true life.
The light of illumination emanates from Christ. This means we can journey with Him into a darkened world fearing no evil. This means we can walk with Him as He illuminates the darkened corners of our hearts, those hidden places of sin and suffering as He brings them into the light. And rather than running back into the dark we can bring things into His light and embrace His life.
What are the places you have been scared to go? How might you invite the light of Christ to go with you, and in so doing embrace His life?
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