We had some friends from Tennessee visit us in our home in Boerne, TX. “What do you want to do here in Texas?” we asked. The 18 year old daughter said, “one of my friends said that since I’m going to Texas, I have to go to In-N-Out.” Having lived in California, I found that to be a pretty funny request. So we visited In-N-Out in Texas!

The Light  

John 8:12-59 

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world, he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness but will have the Light of life. So the Pharisees said to Him, ‘You are testifying about Yourself; Your testimony is not true.’ Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Even if I testify about Myself, My testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge according to the flesh; I am not judging anyone. 

As He spoke these things, many came to believe. So, Jesus was saying…’If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine and you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.’ 

This is section of John is filled with the teachings of Jesus to the people and to the Pharisees. There is a lot here. There are several themes of massive gravity so I’ll do my best to keep it relevant and concise without glossing over too much. There are a few powerful and familiar gems that we don’t want to miss. 

“I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” verse 12.  

It’s easy for us to miss His use of the word ‘world’ because it’s so familiar and intuitive to us. After all, ‘For God so loved the world…’ But if you review my post on John 3:16 and Nicodemus, you’ll recall that when Jesus gives prominence to the ‘world’ over ‘Israel’, it is counter-intuitive to the Pharisees. They thought the Messiah would come and elevate them, as the leaders of Israel. But instead, He came to save the world and his gospel is for all nations! 

In this chapter, Jesus bluntly and assertively confronts the ruling Jews and Pharisees with their darkness and blindness to the truth of God.  These Pharisees and Scribes are living in darkness so now Jesus will proclaim that He is the light of the “world”. 

The Pharisees remained in the dark as Jesus taught. But some of the Jews believed. Verse 30 says, ‘As He spoke, many came to believe in Him.’ 

Previously, He said,  

• I AM the bread of life; He is our sustenance and sustainer of every aspect of our life. This refers back to the analogy of the Father feeding Israel in the wilderness with manna. 

He now adds to it when He says, 

• I AM the Light of the world; He is our guide. This refers to the analogy of the pillar of fire at night to guide the Israelites in the wilderness.  

Jesus, you are my light! I am drawn to Psalms this morning for my prayer.  Psalms 27:1,“the Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?”  

How often do I allow fear and anxiety to enter my mind? Fear is like cancer, if not stopped, the fear spreads and goes to my heart. Jesus, you are my light and my truth. May your light flush away my fears, my doubts and anxiety. Ps 119:105, “Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path.” May I place Your light before me always and simply follow by faith. Amen!