I am the Light of the World
Open Your Bible
John 8:12, 9:1-7, John 1:1-18, Genesis 1:1-5
BY Vivian Mabuni
Text: John 8:12, 9:1-7, John 1:1-18, Genesis 1:1-5
This is part of a 10-day series on the person of Christ in the 2016 Lent study.
The older I get, the more I enjoy (that is, “require”) moderate temperatures, my feather pillow, and hot showers—creature comforts. Yet I’m still strangely drawn to watching survival reality shows on TV. That people would choose to endure extreme, potentially fatal, conditions greatly entertains me from the comfort of my couch and extra-large bowl of popcorn. Watching these shows from a safe distance on my cushy perch, I’m reminded of just how vulnerable we humans truly are.
The priorities for survival, regardless of setting, include: finding a clean water source, fashioning some form of shelter, locating food, and building a fire. How fitting then, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, proclaims that He is Life (Colossians 3:4), and He is everything essential for life. He is the Living Water (John 4:10) and the Bread of Life (John 6:35). He is our nourishment (John 15:5) and our shelter (Psalm 91). The One who created us also sustains us, giving us everything we need to survive and even thrive here on earth (2 Peter 1:3-4).
Today we read about another necessity: light. And once again, Jesus does more than provide light for us. Scripture tells us that He Himself is light:
“I am the light of world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
-John 8:12
Hours of watching survival TV shows have taught me that those first precious hours “on the island,” so to speak, are spent using whatever means necessary to start fire. Once burning steadily, the fire provides warmth and a means of cooking food, protection from dangerous enemies, and yes, light. But bringing physical sight into the darkness isn’t all that light gives us. Our need for illumination goes so much deeper.
Like the man born without sight in John chapter 9, we are spiritually blind, powerless to overcome the darkness. But when Jesus comes near and turns our hearts toward Him, we are given a new kind of sight (2 Corinthians 3:16). In Christ’s presence, we are able to see the world as it truly is. We also begin to see people—all people—as made in the image of God, full of dignity and worth. By His Spirit, the Savior opens our eyes to eternal things, teaching us to walk by faith, not by physical sight (2 Corinthians 4:18, 5:7).
You and I aren’t stranded on a desert island today (at least I hope not!), but we are desperate for light all the same. Only the light of Jesus can give us sight, revealing the depth of our sin and the vastness of His grace. Only the light of Jesus cannot be overcome by the darkness (John 1:5).
Father, You are good, and Your provision is perfect. Draw us near to Jesus, the Light of the world, for warmth, for healing, and for life. Amen.
77 thoughts on "I am the Light of the World"
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Wow… I never want to look at people the same way again. I have grown up in the church and some times I take for granted his grace and mercy. I am starting s new job and I want too see every person as a story waiting to b told. But before I can do that I need to ask GOD to see my story. I haven’t been spending the time with GOD Yvan I need to be. I have hardly been spending anytime with him. Since I got married, I haven’t figured out a balance to it all. I only get a few moments with my handsome at night since I work two jobs. I have been choice him over time with god. I need to find the good health balance. Pleas pray for me.
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Elizabeth- I am praying for you as you find time for the Lord in this season of your life! I have only learned the importance and precious time to press into the Lord in busy times these last few months, and I have hungered and craved his Word! I pray now that you would make time for Him and His sweet word, as He provides you blessings in your marriage and job by going to Him first! He never fails, and He wants you to run to His arms!
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Elizabeth, life can be so busy! Can you take time on the way to/from your work or on a lunch break to listen to praise music, pray, listen to scripture? These “stolen moments” with the Lord can be so beautiful and refreshing.
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In Christ’s presence, we are able to see the world as it truly is. We also begin to see people—all people—as made in the image of God, full of dignity and worth. By His Spirit, the Savior opens our eyes to eternal things, teaching us to walk by faith, not by physical sight. This is such an amazing and beautiful thing. If I hadn’t been saved by Christ soon before I met Bryan, I don’t think I would have the life that I do today. I sold/gave away everything I had to move into a 42ft. RV. We have moved eight times in less than a year. I haven’t consistently been in one church or around the same group of people. The old me would be stressed out, homesick, and downright miserable. However, thanks to God for teaching me to live by faith and not by sight. Now, I can wake up each day so grateful for what I have and for all that He has blessed me with. I can be an enjoyable, fun, and respectful wife, I can spend time with God daily, I get to travel the world with my best friend, and I get to meet so many different people, see different cultures, and influence people who I never would have met if I would have lived my life inside of my comfort zone. Praise God for taking me out of, and keeping me out of, my comfort zone, for it is here that I will truly prosper and live out His will. AMEN!
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“in Christ’s predvence we begin to see the world for what it really is and people” so true Lord shed light on my situation I need the illumination of your truth
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