Devotional Text

John 8:12

12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

Matthew 5:14-16

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that[a] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

In the Gospels, we read many names for Jesus: Son of Mary, Son of God, Christ (which means anointed one), Messiah, Savior, Bread of Life, the Way the Truth and the Life, the Good Shepherd, the Resurrection and the Life. Teacher or Rabbi. Healer, and many more. All these names help us understand something about Jesus. One of my favorites is “Good Shepherd.” Shepherd is a wonderful metaphor with a richness of meaning—protector, provider, guide, and more. Add to the metaphor of Shepherd the adjective “good” and name brings great comfort to my life.

As you think about these (and other) names for Jesus, do you have a favorite? If so, what does that name for Jesus mean to you? What does it tell you Jesus and your relationship with him?

In the Gospel of John, Jesus said “I am the light of the world.” What does light do? It reveals what is present but otherwise unseen. It pushes back darkness. Some light provides warmth. Light is also a wonderful metaphor for Jesus.

What does Jesus name “Light of the World” mean to you?

When I think about the name “Light of the World” I think about what it is that Jesus reveals to us and if I attempt to summarize what Jesus reveals (there is so much to try and summarize), he reveals Gods reign or the Kingdom of God. He gives us glimpses into God’s Kingdom. And, because Jesus is the Light of the World, we can see Jesus’ light in this world (we can see glimpses of the Kingdom of God all around us).

We live in a world filled with bad news. Life is difficult right now. We have so many concerns and threats all around us. The Pandemic rages on. Fires and Hurricanes bring devastation. Afghanistan is breaking our hearts. We watch the news and what we hear is hard to sit through. Yet, even in times like this, we can see the light of Jesus shining. In John chapter one we hear that a great light has come into this world (speaking of Jesus) and the darkness cannot overcome it. Darkness cannot overcome light—light ALWAYS overcomes darkness.

As you think about all that is going on in the world today, where do you see the Light of Christ shining?

The metaphor of light is not only used for Jesus. Jesus, who said of himself “I am the Light of the World” also said to his followers “you are the light of the world.” He was talking about you and me! Jesus’ light shines through the lives of his followers. At the end of last Sunday’s sermon, I said “every act of kindness, every act of love, every act of acceptance and inclusion shines light into this world, revealing the ways God is at work in this world.”

Think for a moment about the ways the light of Christ is shining through you. What is one way you are bringing the Light of Christ to this world?

One last thought. During the sermon, when talking about how Christians live their lives, I said “The world is watching.” What do you hope people see in you?

God bless you!
Pastor Dave