I am the Light

Jesus, in His second “I Am” statement, addresses a reality we have that can affect every aspect of our natural lives and our spiritual lives. In chapter eight verse 12, Jesus declares Himself as “the light of the world,” followed by Him stating, “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” 

The reason He addresses the concept of light and darkness is because whenever we have a problem, what we really need is the light. Often times–relationally, morally, mentally, or emotionally–we may find ourselves trapped by darkness, which is always dysfunctional, confusing, and chaotic. However, Jesus teaches us that we can’t have life if we don’t have light. And the beautiful promise is that He offers us the abundant life with His light. Spiritually speaking, life with God is full of light, and life without God is full of darkness. 

Questions for Meditation 

1. In Genesis 1:3-4, light gave way to natural creation and the beginning of time and physical life. In John 1:4-5, light gave way to spiritual redemption and produced eternal and abundant life. Why do things from God always seem to begin with the presence of light?
2. In what situations can we be overtaken by darkness? And what happens when light is introduced? 
3. Physically and materially speaking, civilizations have progressed as the possibility of more and more light have been introduced. How do our spiritual lives progress when light is increased?
4. 1 John 1:5-7 says, “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” What does fellowship have to do with light? 
5. If fellowship is the authentic nearness of Christ, what is the opposite?
6. What are some examples of artificial light that we settle for in our lives?
7. In our world, light is key to our guidance. For example, for emergency situations, exit lights are installed in public places so that we have a guiding way to safety and security. How does God guide us in a similar way, and what are the ways we can be more aware of His guiding light?