The light of life
by Ruth Olsen
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Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness’ (John 8:12).
We are probably used to using a photo ID to verify who we are, but have you ever needed to validate what you stand for? The photo ID is simple enough, but explaining what we stand for can put us in the ‘hot seat’, subjected to sarcasm, ridicule or, hopefully, some genuine questions.
Speaking of Christ, the Eternal Word, John began his gospel saying, ‘In the beginning the Word already existed … The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone’ (John 1:1,4 NLT). This is John’s witness to Jesus: his life gives us light. It echoes Psalm 36:9, ‘For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see’ (NLT).
Today’s reading picks up on this claim of Jesus about himself, and the Pharisees challenge him on the validity of his claim. It was an established principle that, for something to be validated, it needed the testimony of two or three witnesses. Included also were instructions on dealing with a false witness, giving no mercy (Deuteronomy 19:15–21; Numbers 35:30).
Law cannot give us life, and it can shut out the light with ease, especially when used stringently. And the Pharisees prided themselves in upholding God’s law. Jesus also knew the Scriptures and reminded them that if two people agree on something, their witness is accepted as fact; also, that the Father who sent and stands with him is the other witness (John 8:16,17 NLT). But they did not know God as Father. In their adherence to the law, the light was shut out for them.
We judge by human standards that only see part of the bigger picture. We so readily live by law, forgetting to welcome the light that Jesus can shine into our situations, revealing truth and giving life. His light enables us to recognise things we can’t otherwise see. He is light, life and truth in person, and he desires to lead us into an abundant, satisfying life (John 14:6;10:10).
Lord Jesus, we welcome you and your light shining into our darkness and the world. Touch the hearts of all humankind. Shine, Jesus, shine! Amen.
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