Walking in the Light
Scripture Reading — John 8:12-30
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
—John 8:12
By boldly declaring, “I am the light of the world,” Jesus establishes without question that he is the very presence of God with us. He is the light of the world, for he and he alone knows the Father.
The Pharisees immediately objected to Jesus’ self-assessment and mounted a campaign to try to ruin his reputation. First they challenged his lineage. Then they twisted his words to suggest he was suicidal. But if he could not be trusted, why would they react so strongly to what he said?
The saying is true, “Darkness does not like to be reminded by the light.” Because Jesus knew their hearts were darkened by sin, he replied, “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” It all comes back to the call to follow Jesus, the true light giver.
Our lives are often muddled by the fear of being known or exposed, so we stay hidden in the darkness. Jesus resists such cover-ups. He floods our lives with the spotlight of his Word and challenges us today to forfeit our own plans for his.
The psalmist says it well: “In your light we see light” (Psalm 36:9). The secret of being guided by Jesus is to commit ourselves to his life-giving Word. Trust him and let his Word speak to you today.
Lord, thank you for the privilege many of us have today to gather and hear your Word. We pray especially for all who are persecuted for following you. Flood them with your light and love. Amen.
About the author — John Van Schepen
Dr. John Van Schepen is a retired pastor who served churches in Washington, Wisconsin, Indiana, Oregon and California. He and his wife, Willie, have been blessed with five children and several grandchildren.
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