Following Jesus means leaving the darkness behind and walking in the light of life.
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”John 8:12 (KJV)
What does “Light of life” mean in John 8:12?
Many believe Jesus said this during the Feast of Tabernacles, when great lamps were lit in the temple courts. The phrase light of life describes a light that carries life within it.
Going deeper
Jesus does not say that He shows the way to light or that He brings a message about light. He says I am the light of the world. Everything about how we see, what we understand, and where we walk depends on Him. To follow Him is to walk out of the dark, and the promise is that we will not walk in darkness. Instead, we will have the light of life, a light that carries life within it.
Darkness in Scripture often means confusion and fear, and following Christ is often a matter of taking one step at a time by the light we have. In Lent, we can ask what is unlit in our lives. It may be a secret we keep, a relationship we avoid, or a fear we have not named. Bring that to Jesus, the light of the world, and let Him shine there. Light does not shame the darkness. It simply reveals what is true, and it makes a path.
Reflect
What part of your life is still unlit, and could you bring it to Jesus today?
Pray
Jesus, You are the light of the world. Shine into the places I have kept dark, and lead me one step at a time. In Jesus' name, amen.
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