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I hope you read my recent article, “Who are You, Who am I? One of the questions we considered was the revelation of who Jesus is … to the disciples, to John the Baptist, the priests, and Levites from Jerusalem and ultimately to Peter. As we read John, we see Jesus tell us seven important aspects of the “I Am”. It is important for us to know who Jesus is, because when pressure comes, and it will, our beliefs are challenged as we seek to make sense of the situation. Only knowing who Jesus is to us, will bring us the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.
John 8:1-12 – At the Mount of Olives Jesus went into the temple and He sat down and taught them. The scribes and Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery. After stooping to the ground, He raised up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” Again, he stooped to the ground. Those who heard Him, being convicted by their conscience went out, one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone with the woman. When Jesus raised Himself up, after seeing there were no accusers, He told her “Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more” Then He spoke – “I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD”. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life.”
It is important for us to know who Jesus is, because when pressure comes, and it will, our beliefs are challenged as we seek to make sense of the situation. Only knowing who Jesus is to us, will bring us the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.
Is Jesus your light today? Have you been accused and feel like there are people standing by to stone you - with their words – with rejection? These scribes and Pharisees were holding to the letter of the law. But Jesus, who extends grace, sheds light on any darkness you may be experiencing. He sheds light on the dark places of our past, to wash them completely clean so that we are no longer separated from Him but are complete in Him. The culture we are living in and circumstances around you may be dark, but Jesus has overcome the world and is your light. And not only is Jesus the Light of the World, but He also tells his disciples in Matthew 5:14, 16 – “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden…. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” As we see Jesus as the Light of the World, we see ourselves in Him lighting up the world so that our good works cause men to glorify God.
How are we the light of the world? Paul tells believers in Philippians 2:14-15, that we are to “Do all things without complaining and disputing… in the midst of a perverse and crooked generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world”. Using your voice to bless and not curse is one way you can be the light of the world. Peter tells us in 1 Peter 2:9-10, “You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of the darkness into His marvelous light, who once were not a people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. Extending mercy to others is another way to be the light of the world. We forgive and bless others because we have been forgiven and blessed.
Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father, I thank you for sending Jesus as the Light of the World. Open my eyes to see this truth in a greater degree this week as I choose to be a light in the world. Thank you, Father that I am blessed with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places, so that I can be a blessing to others so that men may see my good works and glorify you. Thank you for choosing me and showing me your ways.
