That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. John 1:9 KJV
With these words, John presents Jesus as the true Light of the world. Light, in this sense, is a symbol of true knowledge, goodness, and life. The first eighteen lines of John’s gospel introduce Jesus in poetic terms calling him the Word of God and the light of the world. He is God in the flesh, co-creator with God of all things.
As the true light of God, Jesus is not just one way to God, he is the only way to God. Informing his disciples of his going to his Father to prepare a place for them in heaven, Christ establishes that they know where he is going, and they know the way to get there.
Confused, Thomas responds that he does not know where Christ is going and asks, “how can we know the way?” Jesus’ response is recorded in John 14:6 which reads, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. WEB”
The Light of the World
In John 8:12, we read, “Again, therefore, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in the darkness but will have the light of life. WEB” This is a reference to the words of the prophet recorded in Isaiah 60:1 which says, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. KJV”
Jesus is the light of the world. His light illuminates the path to salvation and eternal life in heaven. It also exposes our sinful nature. Therefore, people either submit to Jesus or reject him because of the light which he shines on our lives. As John writes, Jesus is the true light that lights every man that comes into the world.
We read in John 3:19-21, “This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light, and doesn’t come to the light, lest his works would be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his works may be revealed, that they have been done in God. WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the true light of my life, Jesus Christ. Thank you for the truth of your holy word. Help me to walk in the light. Guide my steps with the light of Christ and lead me to live a life that is pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Pay Attention
