I am...

Finish this statement, “I am ____________.” What did you come up with? Most of us will finish this statement with where we find our identity. “I am a parent” or “I am a husband”. Maybe you find your identity in your career. “I am a VP at ABC Inc.” Perhaps you find your identity in what the world says you should be. “I am willing to do whatever necessary to get ahead.”

Jesus has no doubt who He is. He spoke the truth about Himself. Even in the face of persecution He was willing to say, “I am _________.” John’s gospel records seven I am statements and this week, we are going to look at the second I am statement that Jesus spoke. “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).

In John’s gospel, light is a metaphor for biblical truth and life – spiritual life as well as eternal life. Whereas darkness is a metaphor for wrong-doing or sin. You see, Jesus, as the light of the world, brings true knowledge and moral purity to this dark world; His light shows the presence of God. Think of the pillar of fire in Exodus 13:21. Through this pillar of fire God was with His people protecting them and literally guiding them through the wilderness. As the light of the world, Jesus brings us protection and guidance.

Through the guidance that Jesus’ light brings, we see ourselves how we truly are: sinners in need of a Savior. When we make the choice to follow Jesus, the Light of the world, guides us to avoid walking blindly and protects us from falling into the traps of what the world says “I am.” Jesus, the true Light, lights the path in front of us so we can see how to live, and Jesus, the true Light, removes the darkness of sin from our lives if we are willing to accept Him. So friends, have you allowed the Light of the world to shine in your life.

Jesus tells His followers, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). Is your light helping others navigate the darkness in their lives? Is your light lighting the path to the Light of the world?

Be a light that shines bright!

~ Tim Hall https://twitter.com/1timothy12 (I encourage feedback, questions & comments - email me at 1timothy46@gmail.com)

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Jesus is the Gate

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Who Are You?