John: Insight.

John highlights several beautiful aspects of Jesus’ teachings and how we should live our lives accordingly, but none is so affecting to me as when he writes of Christ as the Light. Jesus says in Chapter 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” Next in chapter 12:35-36, He says, “The light will be with you only a little longer. Walk while you have the light so that darkness doesn’t overtake you. The one who walks in darkness doesn’t know where he’s going. While you have the light, believe in the light so that you may become sons of light.” Both of these sets of verses embody the concept of Christ as the light, and the importance of that truth. A relevant quote I found from Edwin A. Blum concerning these teachings reads, “This discourse continues Jesus’ public teaching in the city of Jerusalem in the temple area. How fitting that during the Feast of Tabernacles, when the large lamps were burning, Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world.’”

Compared to the ‘lights’ of this world, the aura that Jesus projects is so much greater. And the book of John emphasizes that this light should shine so brightly and recognizably in our lives. It also reminds me that I should live life illuminated in Christ’s teachings. When I attempt to follow my own ways and selfish purposes, I stumble into the darkness. Walking in the light of Christ should be of utmost importance, for me and for my impact on others.