In this passage from John we again have Jesus teaching a crowd of followers. How does he describe himself? What benefit do the people get when they follow Jesus?
Our lives may have many dark spots in them. We may have times of fear and worry, times when we are challenged to keep moving on. But Jesus brings us light so that our darkness can be illuminated and driven out.
But Christ is talking about something other than the light we might see from a lamp. He is talking about the light of God’s love and wisdom. Jesus is that embodiment of the love of God. He is the living light of God’s grace and wisdom.
As the light of God, then, Jesus shines this light of God on all those who believe in him and follow him. When we follow Jesus – that is, when we try to live and act as Jesus did – we receive this light from God.
Just as Jesus shines the light that is from God, so we as believers should also shine the light. We should receive the light of God’s wisdom and grace that flows through Christ, and then reflect it out into the world so others may come to know the tremendous love of God.
Unfortunately many houses of worship, churches and religious groups have a number of members who are more than willing to bask in the light of God but do nothing to help shine that light to the world. They are more than willing to let the light of Christ shine on them, but they take no part in helping the light shine on others.
As believers we must estimate the cost of our ministry. We must determine how and where we will work to help shine God’s light in the world.
DAILY CHALLENGE: What will you do to help shine the light of Christ?
