John 8:12 - Jesus Is The Light Of The World
Main Idea: Jesus wants to provide the new life and clear direction we need.
John 8:12 (CSB) - “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.”
“I AM” — Jesus, God the Son - our Creator, the One in charge of everything (including us).
“the light” — The source of warmth and life, the one that gives us food, by whom we have ability to see everything else in the world, the bringer of our joys, and the constant thing in our lives.
“of the world” — The place we all live, where imperfections, dangers, and constant unknowns are regular.
“Anyone” — Jesus does not say that only the best followers, the least-sinful followers, or people from one particular background or ethnicity or tax bracket can experience His light - but anyone that will follow Him will have His life!
“who follows Me” — Jesus does not say that simply those who acknowledge His existence or lordship will have His life - it is His followers. If you would choose to follow Jesus, to desire to know Him and walk in His way, letting Him call the shots in your life as your Master - He will accept anyone! But He will only accept the “any” that follow Him. Has there ever been a time in your life where you started following Jesus by faith, believing in His salvation and the new life He gives?
“will never walk in the darkness” — Jesus gives an alternate way to walk through this life. We all know people who live this life in constant anxiety, fear, or rage, unsure of what they should be doing or who they should be at any given moment. Into that unknown darkness, Jesus promises His light. The child of God, the follower of Jesus, has a definite path, with a definite goal, and definite guardrails as to their beliefs, behaviors, words, and actions. To the world belongs fear and confusion and uncertainty. To the child of God belongs the Holy Spirit’s inner guidance, the Word of God’s external guidance, and the Body of Christ’s companionship.
“but will have the light of life” — Jesus not only gives direction, but He gives a brand new life that’ll outlast this world & our decaying bodies.
