Shining His Light - March 16 Readings: John 8:12, I AM the Light of the World

The Story of the Bible from Creation to the Cross to Eternal Glory

In 72 daily readings, we will examine the overall story of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, seeking to get the big picture of God's work through Jesus Christ in this sinful world.

Today's Reading:  John 8:12

Through the Bible Readings: Deuteronomy 9-10, Mark 14:1–25, Psalm 35:21–28, Proverbs 8:24-25

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Context 

The Old Testament name of God was "Yahweh," built on the Hebrew verb "I am." that is why the Jewish leaders were so scandalized when Jesus made these seven "I am" statements in John. They follow John's theme, demonstrating Jesus and his divinity.

Here, in the second of the I Am statements, Jesus focuses on the enlightenment of the soul which only he can bring to us.

Devotional: Shining His Light 

John 8:12 Jesus made a bold claim.

I am the Light of the World.

This world is darkened by sin and only Jesus can do anything about it. Education is a wonderful and positive thing, but education can never enlighten the human soul. Only Jesus can. It can give us insight into many things, but can never shed God's light on our lives. Philosophers argue the riddles of life and psychologists try to understand the workings of the human mind. But they cannot do anything but help people live a little better in the darkness. Those who put their hope and trust in human philosophy or psychology wander in arrogant darkness. The neon lights of entertainment sine a bright but fleeting light and never give true light. The world tells us to look inside ourselves for the light but our inborn sin guarantees that this will never succeed.

We human beings will look to everything and everyone for the light we need, but there is only one source of true light - the one who looked into the original darkness and said, "Let there be light." Jesus is the light of God who shines into our hearts. When you are confused, look to him. When you are discouraged and depressed, look to him. When you are overwhelmed and stressed, look to him. His light is the true light.

But the fact that Jesus is the light of the world requires one more thing of us. Jesus told his disciples that they were the light of the world. Jesus is the Sun, but we are the moon. We reflect the light of Jesus Christ into this world. The light of Jesus, our Savior, shines not only on us and in us, but through us to the world of darkness.

If this world will see the Light of the World, they will see him shining his light through us.

Father, may the light of Christ shine in me to guide and strengthen me, and may it shine through me to this world of darkness. 

Think and Pray:

Where do you go for wisdom and direction? Do you look to experts? To your own wisdom and common sense? Or do you trust the Light of the World?
Are you living as the light of the world, reflect the light that the Light of the World shines on you?