Devotion:
Read John 8:12.
In another of the “I Am” sayings of Jesus in this Gospel, Jesus uses light to describe himself. One of the ways we often think about light is when we understand something. You have probably seen it used this way in cartoons and comic strips. When they want to show that the character “gets it” or has a new idea, they put a light bulb over their head. One of the ways that Jesus is a light for us is he helps us understand what God is like. He helps us understand what it means to be God’s people, to represent God in the world. Jesus showed us what that looks like by the way he lived his life, the way he treated people and by what he taught. He helps us better understand the Scriptures.
And yet, all too often, we still don’t understand (or don’t want to). This Gospel begins by saying that even though this light came into the world, there were (and are) those who did not want to see the light. They preferred the darkness more than the light. They preferred their own understanding rather than what the light was trying to reveal to them.
But another verse in that opening chapter shouts the “good news”: “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.” Even though there continues to be those who do not want the light of new understanding, thank God that the light of Jesus Christ still shines to dispel the darkness of misunderstanding and misinformation. If we are open to receive the light of Christ, he still shines to guide us in all of life.
Personal Worship Option:
Pray that you will be open to receive the light of Jesus Christ, who continues to teach and guide all those willing to see and understand.
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