12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” 13 The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.” 14 Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going.”
Perhaps you heard the story of the Battleship at Sea. The Admiral saw lights at a distance directly ahead. He had his dispatcher radio the message. "We are in direct line, alter your course 10 degrees to the South." He saw the signal flash back confirming the approach but commanded they alter the course 10 to the North. The Admiral issued another command. “ I am not altering my course; you alter your course 10 degrees to the South."
They saw the message flash back, "I am not altering my course. You go 10 degrees to the North." The Admiral was furious. "This is Admiral Brown. I order you to alter your course to 10 degrees to the South."
The response was, "This is private Jones. You must alter your course 10 to the North." He decided to show his power. "This is Admiral Brown, commanding a battleship. You alter your course 10 degrees to the South, if you know what is good for you!"
The response came. "This is Private Jones. I am commanding the signal of the Bay Lighthouse. You alter your course 10 degrees to the North, if you know what is good for you!"
It makes no difference what your title or position is, you don't argue with the lighthouse. It makes no difference what your title or position is, you do not argue with God. Jesus tells us He is that Lighthouse who is the final authority. He uses words a little differently.
"I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." He might as well have added, "Alter your course 180 degrees to true North."
The time of this event in Jesus’ life follows the big festival of the Feast of the Tabernacles which commemorates the time when God provided for His people in the wilderness. God led them by the pillar of fire during the night and the cloud during the day. Many orthodox Jews make temporary booths with a gap in part of the branches they use for the roof, so they might watch for a cloud or a pillar of fire.
Barclays' commentary tells us that on the evening of the first day of the festival there was a ceremony called the Illumination of the Temple. It was to acknowledge this light of God that led them in the dark of the night. This ceremony took place in the Court of the Women in the Temple. That is where Jesus was standing when He made this statement.
In the center of the court four great candelabras were lit and it was said they sent such ablaze of light throughout Jerusalem that every courtyard in the city was lit up with brilliance. What Jesus was saying was that you have seen the blaze of the Temple illuminations piercing the darkness of the night. I am the Light of the World and for the man who follows me there will be light, not only for one exciting night, but all the pathways of this life. The light in the temple will pass away, but I will give the light that lasts forever and forever. Just as God led you by the light of the pillar of fire in the wilderness and darkness, now I am the one you are to follow in your spiritual darkness.
Jesus was not just the light for the Jews, but for the world. The key to being in the light is simply following Jesus, putting your faith in Christ as Savior, and benefiting from His presence - The Light of Life. Jesus offers eternal life - far greater and longer than what we have in our limited world.
Jesus calls people to follow Him.
Application: FOLLOW HIM!
Prayer: Lord, teach me to follow You in such a deep abiding that I dwell in Your presence throughout my day. I believe when I took the step of faith in You as my Savior and Lord I entered eternal life. Help me to add to my faith all that will make it speak of You.
Dale
