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John 8:12

NASB	NLT	VOICE
12 Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; the one who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”	12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”	12 On another occasion, Jesus spoke to the crowds again. Jesus: I am the light that shines through the cosmos; if you walk with Me, you will thrive in the nourishing light that gives life and will not know darkness.

A Source of Light  in the Dark

Jesus is likely sitting in the temple courts during the Feast of Tabernacles. Jesus taught in public spaces like this often so he can reach people directly. This is one of the “I Am” statements found in John’s Gospel. The imagery of light represents guidance, truth, and God’s presence. During the Feast of Tabernacles, large lamps were lit in the Temple to represent the pillar of fire that guided the Israelites in the wilderness. Jesus is showing that He is the divine source of guidance for all people. Committing to Jesus’ path of life will help people avoid darkness. Darkness often represents sin, ignorance, and a separation from God. Jesus shows that we will be rescued from spiritual darkness through the light of life. This light is not just a guide, but an internal light that brings life and energy. Jesus, as the life-giving power, is the source and sustainer of spirtual life.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: Jesus is the source of light that rescues us from darkness. What’s a path that you have traveled recently that you needed to be rescued from?

Choose the Right Path

Light represents guidance, truth, and God’s presence. Dark represents sin, ignorance, and a separation from God. Which path sounds better to you? We can follow a path that provides guidance. A path that allows you to see the next steps without question. A path that doesn’t go through every step immediately, but once that takes it one moment a time. Compared to the path of sin. A path of trying to figure things out for yourself. A path of doing what feels right to you in the moment. A path of trying to map out every step of the way before taking the first step. We can follow a path of truth. This path shows us the history of humanity. This path shows us what worked and what didn’t. We can learn the lessons they did and apply it to our reality today. Remember, the Bible wasn’t written to it, but for us. Compare that to the path of ignorance that we could choose. A path that takes what we read on face value and move. A path that uses God’s word in fear instead of love. A path that uses God’s word for chaos instead of peace. It’s ignoring the lessons that it teaches and marching forward regardless. We can follow this path that includes God’s presence. No one should have to do life alone. With God, we’re never alone. God is always walking alongside us, encouraging us, guiding us, loving us, comforting us, correcting us, and more. Without God, we walk a separated path. A path that is dark and aimless. A path that is confusing and blind. So, I ask again. Which path do you choose?

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: The question is simple: Which path do you choose?

PRAY Action

Praise God for the light that shines over our life.

Read Isaiah 9:2.

Ask God to shine light on areas that feel dark. Allow His light to permeate the dark corners of our hearts and minds, finding strength in the difficult emotions, and working to overcome them through the victory of Jesus.

You have the light of the world inside of you. The light is the Holy Spirit ready to burst out to all people that you meet.

Next slice of manna: Love God with All You’ve Got || Deuteronomy 6:5 || Manna for the Mind #309