Daily Reading 2-8-17
John 8:12-19 New Living Translation (NLT)
Darkness is terribly unsettling at times. Especially, when you are looking to focus on something in order to find your way. During those times, any source of light is helpful to give perspective or guidance. When the children of Israel were wandering through the dark wilderness, God provided a pillar of light to guide them. Get that Old Testament picture into your thoughts.
Let’s move to the New Testament and our passage for today. Jesus was at the Temple teaching during the Festival of Booths; a time to remember when Israel wandered through the wilderness and how God provided for them. As we read today’s passage we understand the Light to guide God’s people through the wilderness was a picture of Jesus and his work to save. Today, Jesus is still available to be the Light that safely guides our lives in a dark world, but we must follow the Word.
John 8:12-19 Jesus, the Light of the World
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.”
13 The Pharisees replied, “You are making those claims about yourself! Such testimony is not valid.”
14 Jesus told them, “These claims are valid even though I make them about myself. For I know where I came from and where I am going, but you don’t know this about me. 15 You judge me by human standards, but I do not judge anyone. 16 And if I did, my judgment would be correct in every respect because I am not alone. The Father[a] who sent me is with me. 17 Your own law says that if two people agree about something, their witness is accepted as fact.[b] 18 I am one witness, and my Father who sent me is the other.”
19 “Where is your father?” they asked.
Jesus answered, “Since you don’t know who I am, you don’t know who my Father is. If you knew me, you would also know my Father.”
Prayer: Father, thank you for connecting the testaments of your provision and salvation to a dark world. Jesus is my Light and my salvation. I am so grateful for His brightness to guide. Bless this day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.