John continues his thoughts on the direct battle between Jesus and the Spiritual leaders. It was clear that no matter what Jesus did in His ministry, the Spiritual leaders would challenge Him. Still, Jesus was not focused upon them, He was focused upon teaching the truth in love.
On that day, Jesus taught about being the light of the world. Ironically, HIs teaching continued to reveal the darkness within the leaders. Darkness has many side effects. In the dark, we lose our vision, our sense of direction and our ability to remain at peace. Prior to Jesus coming on the scene, the world was in a dark place. Sin ruled men’s lives. All hope of peace and eternal life was gone. The side effects were very similar, fear, lack of direction and chaos.
Jesus was light. His light cleared out the darkness. It gave vision and direction. It took away fear. Jesus was truly the light in a very dark world. He not only exposed the world’s darkness, but also the darkness within the religious leadership. The religious leaders hated it, but light is revealing, and they could no longer hide in the shadows. He exposed the burden they were placing on the people. He showed God for who He was, not the tyrant they men made the Father out to be.
In our lives, Jesus still is our light. He casts our fears, takes away our darkness and brings order in the midst of our chaos. He also gives us warmth and direction. The world would have us believe that its way gives us the same return, but as we watch the news it is clear chaos rules the world. We simply need to follow Jesus the light of the world to remain in the warmth of His light and love. What a great gift, what a great Lord and Savior our Jesus is!
God Bless You
12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
13 The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.”
14 Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. 15 You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. 16 But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. 17 In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. 18 I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.”
19 Then they asked him, “Where is your father?”
“You do not know me or my Father,” Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” 20 He spoke these words while teaching in the temple courts near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come.
Walking With God 