... I Am the Light of the World...
John 8:12 We think when Jesus says “I am the light of the world” that Jesus is saying some very winsome flowery thing. The truth is however that because he was the light of the world he was crucified. Because he was the light of the world sin was revealed and people prefer darkness to light because their deeds are evil. Because he was the light of the world people got angry and jealous and mad and plotted to kill him. When Jesus preached his first sermon the Jews wanted to throw him over the brow of the hill. When he healed on the Sabbath the Jews got so angry because they thought he was breaking the Law of Moses. Because he was the light of the world people scorned and mocked him and ultimately beat him and scourged him and crucified him. In John’s epistle we read, “If we walk in the light as he is in the light we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Christ cleanses us of all sin.” (1Jn1:7) The light reveals sin. The light brings about fellowship because we were all sinners at one point. The light allows the blood of Christ to cleanse us. Jesus says in the world there will be tribulation. If they have persecuted me they will persecute you. Why? Because if the light is in us and we walk in the truth, that light will reveal sin, that light will cause jealousy and hatred, that light will bring about animosity and scorn. When we become the light of the world, when we live in righteousness and holiness it reveals sin and the only cure for sin and the wrath of God is the blood of Christ. Only the blood blots out our transgressions and frees us from our sin nature. The cross of Christ is a stumbling block. The only way to gain entrance to heaven is by the cross. Yet to get free we need to repent. To repent means we see ourselves as we truly are and are willing to allow Christ to free us because we can not help ourselves. Because Jesus is the light of the world he reveals our sin and that makes people uncomfortable and people don’t like to be made uncomfortable. So do not be surprised if people try your holiness and challenge your position in Christ. The devil tempted Christ throughout his life and he will tempt you as well. Realize the reality of being a Christian and what that entails and accept the consequences of being a light in the world. Jesus did and he has become for us bread from heaven. Amen They that call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. |