So, what if Jesus really is the light of the world? What does that mean, and why does it matter? In chapter one of John we see better that Jesus’ claim to be THE light is a claim to be the divine Son of God. He is claiming to be one with the absolutely perfect, life-giving, creator, God. Let’s look at some verses in John 1 to catch a glimpse of that light.
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it... We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth... No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.
- John 1:4-5, 14b & 18
Some of you believe all of that, every word. Others maybe have heard about Christianity, and it hasn’t sat well with you. Or, maybe you’re open to how Jesus might’ve been a really great guy, but THE God? Probably not. All of us are on different parts of our journey. Know that I sympathize. It literally took me years of reading the Bible before I really believed it. My hope for each of you as we walk this part of the journey together is that you (and I) would move closer to Christ.
So, let’s consider what all of this means, personally. If Jesus is who he claims, he is calling us to consider our own lives and how they intersect with him as God. And, if what he says is true, we really have two options: light and darkness. There is no gray. We must make a choice of belief: is Jesus the light, or isn’t he? And for those who believe Jesus is the light, we must daily choose to follow him where he is leading.
Where is Jesus leading you today?
