The Light of the World

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "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

It is hard to imagine a world without the sun. We depend on it for light and heat. Plants need it to grow and make their own food. Lack of sunlight has even been found to have a psychological effect on people, contributing to seasonal depression disorder. Without the sun the earth would be covered in darkness and our physical bodies could not live here.

Just as our physical bodies would be dead without the light and warmth from the sun, our spirit is dead and in darkness without Jesus. Without Christ we walk around in darkness, unaware of our sin and need for a savior. Our minds are clouded and often confused as we try to navigate through different situations and circumstances. We can feel helpless and hopeless. Spiritually we are dying under the curse and weight of sin. This is the state of every man and woman before Christ. But there is hope!

In John 8:12 scripture says that "Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "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." This light that Jesus referred to illuminates our hearts and minds to see that we are a sinner. Next, it shows us that we need a savior and reveals that Jesus is that Savior. It is then that every man and woman must make a choice, to either follow Christ or to reject Him. Once we accept Christ as our personal Savior, His light enables us to see and interpret things in a whole new way. Jesus was letting the people know that if they would follow Him, they would no longer have to navigate life on their own, stumbling in the dark. No longer would their spiritual bodies be dying. The Son of God brings life to our spiritual bodies, a life that is eternal and long outlasts our very temporal physical ones.

The Focal Point: When I see the light of the sun shining through the trees, I am reminded to focus on Jesus, The Light of the World.